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Wednesday 20 February 2013

Curiouser and curiouser

Hello all, and welcome to the monthly Artistic Outpost bloghop, with an especially big welcome to the new followers - great to have you on board.  The Design Team have been working with the theme of Children's Literature, and there are some wonderful pieces to see, so here are the blogs you'll want to explore:



I'm sharing an Altered Book I made using the Wonderland Collage plate (with a couple of other AO stamps thrown in for good measure of course!).

I had such fun altering my book for the current eclectic Paperie challenge, that it seemed a simple choice to work along the same lines for this theme.  (The eP challenge is still on for one last day - you'll find all the details here - do come and play, you've just got time!)


But I've turned my book the other way up for this one, so it stands up like a rather chunky card - only with the centre on display rather than the front, so... not really like a card at all, then!


And the back is also decorated...  The Distorted Hive mask from Tando was the perfect choice for a Wonderland project - a geometric pattern being pulled curiously out of shape.


I added swirls of branch flourishes using the lovely stamp from the Serenity set, but without inking up the sentiment which is part of the same stamp.













I also used the tiny flourish from the same set.

And since we're talking literature, I also added some print block lettering using the fabulous stamp from the Secretary Pool set, just rolled on in places rather than stamped in full.





For the inside, I started by allowing the book (Mill on the Floss - sorry, I'm prepared to alter George Eliot, but not prepared to alter an actual Alice!!) to fall open where it chose, happily somewhere around the middle.

I then gave the whole interior a thick coat of watercolour ground (this is the gesso-like medium I've been experimenting with).  Sorry, I forgot to take process photos as I went - too busy playing!






I used the Distorted Hive again with DIs in various blues and greens across the whole of the two pages, and then added some leaves in the corners by stencilling texture paste through the Leaf Swirl Border mask from Imagination Crafts.









I built up layers of Fresco paints around the leaves with varying degrees of success.  Couldn't quite get it how I wanted - not going to tell you how many layers are on there!

I finished up eventually with some white paint onto the leaves themselves, and then added a layer of Rock Candy crackle paint and left it do its thing.








I stamped the two main images on some gesso'd pages torn from the book before I painted it, so there is some book text just visible within the images.

I used Distress Stains and a water brush to "watercolour" the images - seems to be my new favourite thing to do (as you'll know if you saw my PaperArtsy samples or the tag with the fabulous Nicecrane Steampunk Girls).








I stuck to a limited palette - yup, green/blue/turquoise with some Vintage Photo for good measure - and the incredibly useful Pumice Stone for the not-quite-white shading on the White Rabbit.

And Alice's crown has had a touch of Metallic Distress Stain in Pewter to add to its lustre.  The strange blue flowers resulting from this limited palette rather please me in a Wonderland-y kind of way.  The little word phrase is perfect to fit the label space underneath.










I just love the White Rabbit image from this set - not only the WR himself, but the delicious clocks surrounding him.  And it's great that there's a separate clock stamp in the set that matches these ones, though in a smaller size.











I was able to stamp the clock over the edges of the pages, thanks to the thick coat of ground.  I particularly like the one with the added Game Spinners, "falling" off the edge of the book in a very curious way (very Lewis Carroll).












There's another one under some of the inked flowers, only visible if the book is lying down rather than standing up, of course, so a secret Dali-clock!









I chose my metal pieces in coppery browns to contrast with the blue/green spectrum.  I've used one of the cool new Chronology clocks from Papermania, as well as a clock hand from the same line, though the others are all Idea-ology.












And on the Alice page, it's all about the key that she can't get in the right place at the right time, as she's struggling to get herself the right size to get through the door into the Wonderland garden in the first place.







The tiny lock and key are brads, and the larger lock is an Idea-ology one.  It seemed appropriately odd to attach it with the flower heads rather than fasteners; likewise the flower at the centre of the clock opposite...

Curiouser, and curiouser!

I do hope you've enjoyed the trip around my Wonderland altered book. I'm going to leave you with a couple of very curious angles on the whole thing...

Hop on around to the rest of the Artistic Outpost team for lots of amazing inspiration - all the details are here.

And have a peculiarly wonderful day!




“But I don’t want to go among mad people," Alice remarked.
"Oh, you can’t help that," said the Cat: "we’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad."
"How do you know I’m mad?" said Alice.
"You must be," said the Cat, or you wouldn’t have come here.”









“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"
"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to."
"I don't much care where –"
"Then it doesn't matter which way you go.”











“I wonder if I've been changed in the night. Let me think. Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is 'Who in the world am I?' Ah, that's the great puzzle!”









“It was much pleasanter at home," thought poor Alice, "when one wasn't always growing larger and smaller, and being ordered about by mice and rabbits. I almost wish I hadn't gone down the rabbit-hole -- and yet -- and yet -- ...”

Extracts from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland

I'd like to enter this in the Metal-ology challenge over at Simon Says Stamp and Show
And also in the Stampotique Designers Challenge, where they would like to see some Text in the projects - it's faint, but it's there in the stamped and watercoloured images!



70 comments:

...the yorkshire fox... said...

...a truly outstanding piece of work Alison, gorgeous soft hues , superb inkings, a total delight...Melxx :)
Have you found the secret of a 48hr day :)

Nan G said...

Wow! An amazing piece if art, Alison. Love the distorted hive mask.

Inkypinkycraft said...

A beautiful make in every way, gorgeous colours and fab attention to detail! Trace x

chrissie said...

Fantastic pages Alison and a great idea to stand it up like a card--now I am thinking if I buy some small books I could make cards in boxes--mmm-you always inspire lol. and yet and yet ---

Have a great day

Love Chrissie xx

brenda said...

Oh My Alison, only one word to describe this really - enchanting.

B x

Jenny Marples said...

So much to see and inspire in this. Love the Tando mask background - you were so right with your choice on this I think - and the depth of texture to compliment the paint. Hugs, Jenny x

Brenda Brown said...

Incredible work Alison, I just love the textures and the overall design. The contrast of the metal and soft flowers works so well.
hugs {brenda} x0x

Cestina said...

Brilliant quotes, maybe I should revisit Alice - since you've left the book intact....

A lovely piece of work
xx

Helen said...

Absolutely gorgeous!! The colours are wonderful, the texture - oh!! and I absolotely love the contrast of the flowers with the idea-ology. Beautiful.

Deborah said...

So much attention to detail (ie the dali clock)! And so worth it. Gorgeous.

Rita said...

Alison, you never cease to amaze me with all your beautiful creations. I think you must have a longer day than me as you seem to do so much. I love your book and all the artistic elements used in its creation. The colours are fabulous too. Hugs Rita xx

Lucy Edmondson said...

This is wonderful, Alison. A favourite theme of mine and I love your colours. Managed not to get shouted at for spending all day on your blog yesterday - it was good to catch up,

Lucy x

House of Bears said...

Oh we love anything to do with children's literature and AIW is one of our most favourites. Really love what you've done here, the colours, the stamps, the altering. What a wonderful keepsake you've created.

Unknown said...

Love it! The detail is exquisite! I'm gonna follow your blog - very inspirational for me!

catherine said...

I just love everyhting about this piece Alison. the colours are fantastic with the images.
x catherine

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Gorgeous altered book, I love the blue and green and your use of the stencil in the background is gorgeous. I love how you have stamped on the edges of the pages too. Lovely piece Alison. Tracy x

cathylynn said...

A total delight! The textures, colors, and all of your special details are fabulous. Love it all!! So much ispiration here and I thank you for sharing!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Asia King (aka Joanna K) said...

What a fantastic project Alison! I love altered books and yours looks amazing. I love the text showing through and the texture looks so lush! xx

Darla Walden said...

My favorite both the project and the theme. Love the colors as well since I am totally in to the peacock colors and Alice in Wonderland. Awesome.

Suzanne C said...

The colors are just fabulous! Beautiful inside and out! The gears and clock texture adds such a lovely effect! (Also love the excerpts you added into your post!)

Netty said...

Loving your gorgeous Alice in Wonderland altered book, fab work, Annette x

Hettie said...

Wonderful Alison! Love the elements that you have drawn together. I too like those Papermania Chronology pieces, though so far I have only bought a stamp! Roll on London!
Gorgeous Book Alison.
xx

Unknown said...

Beautiful Alison, simply beautiful. The colour mix is heavenly and your design work is stunning. Chris xx

Terry said...

I would expect nothing less than 100% pure gorgeousness! So many lovely details in your altered "Alice" book. Love all the texture and embellishments! Hugs!

Gerrie Johnnic said...

Art at it's finest! I am drooling, this is so beautiful, all the details and textures, wow!

craftytrog said...

Just beautiful! I love the embossed leaves with the crackle! x

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

What glorious textures and colors you have achieved here, Alison! Just an awesome job altering this book! I especially love the leaf texture and the way you have stamped partly on the top and running over the sides of the pages with the clock stamp This is a seriously cool take on the hop theme!

Hugs,
Linda

Tracy said...

Wow Alison....how beautiful it is..swoon!!!
Love your work.
Hugs
xxx

Dianne said...

This is jaw dropping gob smaking,gorgeous, loooooove it, thanks for sharing...

froebelsternchen said...

just GORGEOUS!!!

Redanne said...

Hi Alison, I can only think of one word today - exquisite! A x

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wow - such a gorgeous and breathtaking project. Love every detail.

Astrid Maclean said...

A fantastic project yet again Alison! Have to say, my favourite photos are probably those from the curious angles! Oh and I love the quotes you chose from the book...

Now as far as George Eliot is concerned.... hmm. ok, so maybe not quite in the same league as LC, but I have to say ever after having watched the Daniel Deronda DVD I have become quite a fan again and am returning to her books... but I'll let you off seeing this project is so cool ☺

Carol Q said...

very creative Alison and you've used my favourite colour combo too!

Sandy said...

Yeah - Mill on the Floss is kind of gloomy - better to alter that than a Wonderland book. Because I cannot write a "book" on your altered book, I will pick out one thing that my heart said "YES" to. The key hole with the flowers. You know if you find the key you will enter Wonderland and eat some delicious cakes. I do love altered books Alison.
Sandy

Lisa Somerville said...

Fabulous altered book! Wonderful attention to detail - just love the background!

Paper Profusion said...

Utterly enchanting Alison! I'm lost for superlatives for your wonderful creativity. This is sublime really. Nicola x

Gillian .... said...

Stunning project Alison, love the Alice inspired look which you have captured beautifully. x

Dorthe said...

OH what can I say, not already said here, dear Alison, this is a magic piece of wonderful art,- I LOVE all you do with your colours and crackles, and paints....love the adds of keyes and "holes" flowers and ..and....... it is an amazing wonderland book you have created here.
I so enjoyed watching and reading.
Hugs,Dorthe

Debi said...

no words will do this justice- this is a pure joy to look at and I bet it's even more stunning in real life! Debi x

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

I've popped back Alison as since my comment you have linked this to our challenge and I just wanted to say thank you for,joining in the Simin Says Stamp and Show Challenge with this beauty . Tracy x

May said...

Stunning work Alison...What a delight to look at... Your work is outstanding...The attention to detail is amazing... Love it all.... Hugs May x x x

Anonymous said...

Astonishing!
The colour is so perfect and all those magical details.
Wishes
Lynne

pearshapedcrafting said...

An amazing piece Alison! I squinted at it on my phone in the car this morning but now looking at it on a big screen I am so impressed with it's glorious details! Another Butterfly masterpiece! Chrisx

Dame Jeanne Marie said...

This bookis amazingly beautiful. I love the colors you chose and the stamping on the side ...!

Unknown said...

Wow, what an AMAZING project. You always create such stunning works! Just loving this Alice themed altered book.

Unknown said...

An altered book after my own heart. :) As a true Alice fan I'm a big fan of your project. The stamps are fabulous. You've hit another home run Alison! Hugs

Sarah said...

Sighhhhh. So pretty, Alison.

Desert Rose Stamper said...

Oh my -- what an inspiration you are. I just love to see your work. Maybe one day I will develop the skill to do something like this. Love to see what you create.

Thank you!

Sharon S.

Kate Yetter said...

Wow, Alison! Such a stunner. I love your altered book. The colors are right up my alley. And I love the roses and metal. Beautiful!!
Kate

Gio said...

I missed this one.. It's a masterpiece! You inspire me to altered a new book!

Bonnie Irvine said...

This is one of my favourite pieces! It's lovely and whimsical...and transports me to another time and place. The outside of the altered book is as lovely as the inside. I love the colour palette and the rich textures of the crackle and texture paste. The hardware and "painted" roses make me smile. FAbulous watercolour effect on the stamped images...so reminiscent of a vintage book. Sigh...

Robyn Phelan Sharp said...

Love the colors, textures, and artistic layout

Janny Jager said...

Gorgeous altered book alison.
Love every detail.
Greetings Janny

Sandra said...

ohh my, what a gorgeous altered alice in wonderland book! The blueish greens are stunning! Love it! Thank you so much for joining us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. Hugs, Sandra

Keren Tamir said...

Wow I love all the stamping and inking on this project. This is amazing

Lisa :) said...

BEYOND amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Geraldine said...

in love with this piece, love the texture paste leaves and the soft colours, the stamped images are gorgeous and the metal adds a lovely contrast to the flowers and the soft colour palette.

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

You hit a lot of challenges with this one! Wish I had time to alter a book...I'd love to participate in this one...FUN! You've done this brilliantly...love the color and AO images! Great metal bits! Thank you for showing us your metals at Simon Says Stamp & Show this week!

Bärbel said...

Die Buchseiten sind traumhaft schön geworden, Alison! Ich bewundere die wunderbaren Farben, die schöne Gestaltung und die tollen Blüten und Embellishments, ein großartiges Kunstwerk!
Liebe Grüße.

Chris said...

Fabulous piece of art and I'm loving that plate of stamps, your amazing work with books and all the gorgeous fresh colours you're working with at the moment. xx

Sue said...

A truly beautiful altered book Alison. I love how each technique and texture flows into the next. I now need to check out the Distorted Hive mask lol. Thank you so much for joining us at the Stampotique Designers Challenge. Sue xx

Reflective Art Studio said...

SO very creative.... Stunning work.
Thanks you for sharing your talents with us at Stampotique Designer's Challenge this week.
Warmly-
Sarinda

Neet said...

This is so yummy. I love "Alice" and I love this colour. A perfect partnership.
You have put so much detail into this that is not apparent at first glance but which dawns upon the observer/appreciator slowly and gives so much delight. I do love the clock stamped on the edge of the pages - quirky - as "Alice" is.
Love it!
Hugs, Neet xx

Mikaela said...

sooo beutiful!!!

Anna-Karin said...

Amazing altered book Alison! And you used the perfect stamps with it.Gorgeous covers, colours and details. Thank you for joining us this week at Simon Says Stamp and Show!

Yvonne Garner said...

Oh Alison! Your projects take my breath away! Just received my Tando mask yesterday after seeing it recently used on one of your projects! Congratulations on another fabulous creation. Best, Yvonne

Libby Hickson said...

This is absolutely amazing! Wow. I love Alice in general, and I LOVE what you've done with this book. So gorgeous!!! Thanks so much for playing along with the Stampotique Designers Challenge!

Julie S said...

You added so many amazing details to this. It's a really stunning piece. Well done!

Kezzy said...

Wow stunning altered book, I really love the colour and the masks you used give the book gorgeous texture. I have to admit, I don't have any Alice in wonderful stamps, I haven't even watched it and don't know what's it about, but it must be really popular as it seems to have a massive following. Kezzy :-) xxx