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 2 December 2012

Something New



Hello all, I'm delighted to welcome you to Words and Pictures today for my first post as an official member of the eclectic Paperie Design Team.

eclectic Paperie have an online store packed with lovely stash goodies, and a fabulous blog where you can find lots of inspiration and tutorials for how to use them.

And my fellow newbies Marjie Kemper and Annette Green are also making their first contributions this week, so be sure to check out their amazing creations too!

I've been having a play with some gorgeous Graphic 45 papers - the ABC Primer (which is on offer in the store at the moment), as well as my favourite Distress Inks, lovely Idea-ology lettering, and some texture paste, to create this dimensional hanging.
















And if my "something new" for today works out, then you'll find all the product details at the foot of this post, and you can click through to eclectic Paperie and put them straight in your basket!!







I started with a paperboard frame which my sister-in-law picked up for me at a bargain price in The Range (it's about 15x6 inches), but you could use these techniques on any untreated frame.

If your surface is already painted or varnished, you might need to sand it down first or you could do the same as me and start with a coat or two of gesso, which should give enough "tooth" for other paints and inks to adhere to the surface.










Once I'd done one rough coat of gesso (instant "shabby chic", I call it!), I used a palette knife to apply some paste through the Crafter's Workshop Mini Ledger template.  

I love the raised texture this gives the text.  Another coat of gesso once the paste is dry makes it look part of the frame itself.









I then used Distress Inks in Antique Linen, Vintage Photo, Black Soot and Wild Honey to build layers of colour on and around the raised text.  











On the sides of the frame I used the same template, but this time I blended Black Soot Distress Ink through it using a blending tool.  

I love how versatile these templates are - you can use them in so many ways, with inks, sprays or texture pastes... the list goes on.






Then I started selecting papers from the lovely ABC Primer set... I wanted to stick to a neutral colour palette for this project, so those were the papers I pulled out and started putting in place.  












Once I had my three main panels, I chose a letter, a sum and a bookplate for each frame, edged them and the main panels with Vintage Photo DI, and adhered them using mounting tape for a dimensional effect.  







Each element within the frame has a different number of layers of tape so that they sit at different heights as you look at them.

And I left the interior walls of the frame in plain gesso - it really makes the contents of the frame pop, I think.










Finally, we come to the sentiment.  It's a thought I really like to live by - for me the most exciting thing in the world is learning and discovering new things.  It's one of many reasons why I've been so lit up by this whole new crafting hobby - the learning curve is huge, and there's so much inspiration and information out there to discover, explore and play with.




The lettering is from Idea-ology: the brilliant Newsprint AlphaParts (also on offer right now). 



I love these little plastic letters... you can alter them with inks and paints as I've done in past projects or, as here, leave them in their basic state.  















They're sticky on the back, so you just twist them off the frame and adhere them to the project.
 














One of the main things I love is that you get plenty of each letter within a set; so, even though I've used four 'e's for this sentiment, there are still some left for next time.  







So that's me for today... I'd love to know what you make of today's offering.  Your thoughts and comments are so much appreciated, and it's great to have your company as I set out on this new adventure.  I'll be sharing an eP project with you here at Words and Pictures once a week, and every so often I'll be letting you know about a post over at the eclectic Paperie blog itself.  But for now I'll just wish you a wonderful week, whatever it is you're up to, and I look forward to seeing you again soon - either here, or elsewhere in Craftyblogland!

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.
Henry Ford

I am learning all the time.  The tombstone will be my diploma.
Eartha Kitt

Products used:  
(Click to go to product page at eclectic Paperie)



I'm entering this for the following:

Artful Times are playing Anything Goes this fortnight
Simon Says Stamp are also playing Anything Goes at the moment
Top Tip Tuesday are playing Kids and Teens
Sugar Creek Hollow's challenge this week is Distressing - and by that, I don't mean that it's upsetting me... oh, you know what I mean! 

61 comments:

mark gould said...

Oh wow, I am in awe. So beautiful. it looks shop bought and perfect in the truly shabby chic way. They are very lucky to have you Alison. Im sure they will have lots of traffic after viewing this x

sam21ski said...

This is gorgeous Alison, love the texture paste on the frame, looks lovely and the subtle colours are so soothing, the whole thing looks fabulous, well done on your first DT make, it's stunning.

Sam xxx

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Learn something new everyday, perfect sentiment for your first DT piece. Your dimensional hanging is lovely Alison, wonderful dimension and texture and my favourite muted colours. Tracy x

Unknown said...

Absolutely awesome project! Really loving the texture paste script on the frame!

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love the use of paste on the frame and need to look out for TCW. Beautiful muted tones and gorgeous use of the papers.
Wishes
Lynne

Kim said...

Stunning Alison! I love the paste on the frame (would be a perfect application for the new Wendy Vecchi embossing paste!) You have seriously inspired me to try this technique! So happy to have you with us! XXOO

Elaine Stark said...

A fabulous project, so well put together. I love all your techniques and colour tones.
Thanks for joining Top Tip Tuesday. Elaine

Kate Yetter said...

So amazing, Alison! I love all that texture you added to the edges of the box! Texture paste and stencils were a fabulous invention! You have created a beautiful shadow box!
Kate

Annie said...

Congratulations on the DT post Alison and what a fabulous project. I love the depth and texture you have created here. THanks for the 'how to' as well as there are so many techniques and products out there. I certainly learn something new every day.

Crafty hugs

Annie x

Paper Profusion said...

What a wonderful first post Alison - EP will treasure you I hope! Your frame is stunning - definitely got to get me some texture paste - your stencilling and inking looks wonderful. Love the design of 3 'inserts' too - overall FABULOUS creation. Have a special week. Nicola x

Netty said...

Terrific alteration, loving the shabby chic style with all its wonderful textures. A fab first post on your new design team. Annette x

Astrid Maclean said...

Great first post Alison, particularly like the textured frame! Would love to add many products in my basket, if only the store was in the UK, - too bad, but I have decided I have to stop ordering from the US the postage is just crazy:o(

Redanne said...

Well done Alison on a brilliant first post for the DT at EP. The frame is gorgeous, that texture paste looks amazing in script, the colours are so lovely and soft and the papers you have used are are just perfect. Great sentiment too, one we should all live by. Congrats too on getting the products listed like a true professional! Hugs, Anne x

Hettie said...

This is gorgeous Alison. Love all the little details in this.
Now how do I swing an 80 mile round trip to get to the Range?!!
Hugs
x

House of Bears said...

Another work of art from you. Lovely. The bears often shop at the Range, we may have to look for one of these frames, we agree about the templates/stencils, there are so many ways to use them, they're a crafter's dream product.

craftimamma said...

Gorgeous hanging Alison and I love the dimensions. It's not too big to be clumsy but big enough to really work with. I love the texture paste through the mask and the lettering for the sentiment. It all makes for a very tactile piece. I like the various depths you have achieved with the height of the pieces inside the frame too. A fabulous start to your DT work for the Eclectic Paperie.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Unknown said...

Congratulations Alison! They are so lucky to have you on their team and I'm familiar with Marjie's work as well so will check them out. :) I love this collection by G45 and your project is awesome for the Kids/Teens challenge at TTT. So happy you played along! Hugs

Bonnie Irvine said...

Congratulations on making your first project for Eclectic Paperie such an amazing and inspiring one. Every little detail (and there are many) works beautifully to enhance and support the others. Love the effect of the paste through the script stencil. Just a wonderful design. It makes me happy just looking at it.

Debi said...

just as lovely as ever, and big congrats on being part of the new electic Paperie DT :-) Debi x

Sarah said...

Congrats on your new adventure with eP. You are one busy lady!
I really like the texture and interest that the embossing paste used with the template adds to the frame. Actually I really like the whole project!

Chrissy said...

This is superb Alison..love the textures and colours..fantastic.

Luv CHRISSYxx

Neet said...

Congrats on your DT call. Am sure you will be a massive success for them with your work. This piece is absolutely fab (as always) - love the raised lettering and everything about it.
Hugs, Neet xx

chrissie said...

Congratulations! Well deserved for sure.

Love the frame and the sentiment around it.

Best wishes Chrissie xx

Von said...

A fabulous first DT creation and so pleased that you shared it with us at Artful Times too Alison :)
Von ♥

Laurart said...

WOW!!! I can't believe that was originally one of those frames! - I have been looking forward to seeing what you were going to do with them and you have done an amazing job on it. I LOVE the paste effect...I need to learn how to do that and I think I will be adding that to my Christmas list ;o) xxxxxx

Claudia N. said...

What an awesome "first DT post", Alison!

Love the texture on the frame so much! Stunning! (Sorry, I am a bit dizzy today due to medication...appropriate words seem to avoid me at the moment)

A great DT post! They can call themselves so lucky to have you on their team!

Hugs,
Claudia xx

craftytrog said...

A wonderful vintage-looking piece of artwork Alison! The texture on the frame looks amazing! xx

Sue said...

This is wonderful Alison, I've looked at these frames in the Range, but thought them too big to tackle. Seeing how you have broken it down it's not so daunting now.
Congratulation on your DT call up, they are very lucky to have you! Sue xx

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Congrats on this wonderful first DT piece. They can be lucky to have you on board :)

Tracey said...

WOW.....I love your creation! Love the neutral colours. Thanks for the detailed instruction with the gesso...love the instant shabby look!

Annette Green said...

Beautiful Alison! I love how your created that wonderful texture on the frame with the paste and stencil. What a piece of art! I'm honored to be a newbie with you on the EP team. Thanks for the mention.

Charlotte Zweigoron said...

This deserves an unqualified WOW!

Anne-Elise said...

Absolutely gorgeous creation, Alison! What a lot of work! Love all the fab details! Hugs

Terry said...

Congratulations again, Alison! Your creations are also so detailed and gorgeous and what a wonderful contribution you will make at EP! Here is another example of perfection at work! Love this frame and love how you always give us all the steps we need! Hugs!

maj. said...

Brilliant! I love all the details.

Brenda Brown said...

I love this paper pack and you have used it exquisitely Alison. The texture paste adds the perfect dimension especially with all the neutral colours.
Hugs Brenda xxx

Inkypinkycraft said...

a great make Alison, love the colour scheme the sentiment, the textures are yummy ..your work is wonderful in every way! just fab lv trace x

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

A great creation Alison, especially the raised text looks amazing on this. Nice elements!

greetings, Alie :-)

Unknown said...

Gosh Alison, I'm totally impressed with your beautiful creation here! Love the textures and all of the embellies! Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog, take care, Ira x
irascreacorner.blogspot.nl

Martina said...

Congratulations to your membership of the design team and many thanks for the great link to the shop and the blog. I've saved it immediately.
Your creation is great! Really beautifully designed, dear Alison.

Anjas-Artefaktotum said...

Congratulations to your membership. They can be lucky to have you on board.
Your creations are always inspiring!
Love the shabby chic style, the textures and all embellieshment
Really a fabulous masterpiece!!

May said...

Fabulous creation, love the texture and the words are Perfect.. Great design & embellishments... Hugs May x x x

Annette said...

This is stunning. I love the lettering that you've added to the frame. Fab project.
Annette
Netty's Cards
Proud to design for ABC Christmas Challenge,
Lili’s Little Fairies
and Top Tip Tuesday.
xx

Victoria said...

Oooo I have this paper at the bottom of a drawer (shocking, I know) and you have totally inspired me to grab it out at Christmas and have a go at making something like this! Simply wonderful!

Asia King (aka Joanna K) said...

Yay, this is soooooo gorgeous!!! I love the textured text with the paste and the vintage look. And each compartment looks really fab! xx

Rita said...

Alison, this is a work of art, I love everything about it and you must be so thrilled with how it turned out. Hugs Rita xxx

Jenny Marples said...

Guess who got her wishlist box of goodies!!!!! Bet it feels like Christmas! Love the frame. Modelling paste makes a world of difference, and you've coloured it beautifully. Great choice of contents and yes, you were so right to leave the letters naked. Such a contrast with the frame.
Huge congrats on your new DT adventures. Hugs, Buttons x

Anonymous said...

fabulous so much to look at I love the style, thanks for playing at Top Tip Tuesday this time, Samantha :0)

catherine said...

Well done on your DT place Alison and a fantastic project to start with. You will be a real asset to their team with your wonderful creativity
x catherine

Marjie Kemper said...

Wow, that's one BEAUTIFUL inaugural project! I love what you've done with the ledger stencil. The text really does look like it's come with the frame. And the alpha letters you chose look amazing and pop right off that neutral background. A gorgeous project! And thanks for the link... much appreciated!

Sandy said...

Well I have been following you Miss Butterfly -- I think you are a pro disguised as a newbie. You are extremely talented and the Eclectic Paperie is very lucky to have you. I love this project and thank you for the instructions on how you did this. Fantastic.
sandy

Anonymous said...

What a stunning piece of work, with beautiful details, Alison! Thanks for sharing with us at Sugar Creek Hollow distressing challenge this week.
Hugs,
Amelia (DT Sugar Creek Hollow)

Bärbel said...

Ein wunderbares Projekt, Alison, die schöne Struktur des Rahmens kombiniert mit tollen Papieren und Motiven, das ist ein sehr schöner Wandschmuck!

cheiron said...

What a great quote...love all the fabulous texture on this project. Thanks for playing along with the Anything Goes Challenge over on the SImon Says Stamp Challenge Blog this week!

Shelby said...

I love your wonderfully unique style and how you can work with so many different mediums to create such beautiful artwork

Shelby

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Most wonderful! Love the quote and vintage feel! Cool little wooden piece!

Sandra's Spot said...

FAB-U-LOUS Alison, I love the texture you have given the frame and the colours. Congratulations on the DT post. I am now off to look at the site. Hugs Sandra XXX

Lisa Minckler said...

yes, yes, YES! This is exceptional Alison. I adore every angle of this. The motto, the charm, the embellishments, but most of all the thought provoking theme. :) This is divine!

Lisa Minckler said...

Ohh, just realized you joined Top Tip Tuesday too..Thank you so much. :)
hugs,
Lisa xx

Lisa Minckler said...

Alison, I'm back again :) I see that you have a link to Top Tip Tuesday for a challenge, but for the life of me I can't find it on the actual challenge page.LOL. Are you linked up or have I lost my mind? This is just too cute a project not to be seen over there. :)

Margaret said...

Congrats and your first contribution is a big wow! The frame alone is a fabulous piece, but then you added all of those fabulous embellishments to make it a shabby chic masterpiece!