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...

Monday 4 February 2013

Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit

Hello all, and welcome (back) to Words and Pictures, and an especially big welcome to the new followers - thank you so much for joining the journey.  And I'd also like to say a really big thank you to you all for taking the time to visit my butterfly mobile at The Artistic Stamper - and for saying such nice things about it!!

I'm sharing a Design Team piece today, a triptych inspired by the wonderful images from Nicecrane Designs, and since it's also inspired by a story I grew up on, happily it should fit right in with Simon Says Stamp and Show's new challenge, Ever After.  The timing of that challenge coming out particularly pleases me, since when I made the frames weeks ago I said at the time that they felt like Fairy Tale frames to me... I just didn't know what went inside them at that point!


This triptych uses images from the Always Peter Rabbit set which you can find here.  I've only used three of them, but the set includes eight beautiful reproductions from The Tale of Peter Rabbit.  Or you can go for the Peter Rabbit Save Pack, which gets you lots more pictures for your money.

Sadly, you won't be able to purchase the Beatrix Potter images if you are in the UK because of copyright issues, but everyone else in the world is allowed to.

But there are thousands of other gorgeous images available at Nicecrane, so you'll be sure to find something lovely to play with.









I'm a huge Beatrix Potter fan.  I grew up on the Tales, particularly loving the illustrations.  And if you've never seen the enchanting film of the Royal Ballet version of the tales, with extraordinary masks and costumes to die for, then I can only suggest that you hunt it down immediately!  I've found you a little taster to tempt you.








I only found out much later that she was also a respected naturalist, gaining recognition from the scientific establishment for her work on fungi - not only for her mycological illustrations but also her research into how fungi reproduce (no mean feat for a 'mere' woman in the 19th century).

Some of you may remember these Cabinet die frames from my workdesk a few WOYWWs ago...  They've been hanging around ever since, waiting for the right project to form around them.







The colours in these illustrations seemed to be the perfect fit - though looking at them next to the Nicecrane preview, it seems my printer may have been having a slightly green day!

The frames first had a layer of Ferro texture paint, roughly applied, and then coats of paint and ink and Treasure Gold.  I used one of the small stamps from Tim Holtz's Nature's Elements set to add some ivy/mossy texture over all my other layers.  I'm quite pleased with the stony look of them.








I cut another three large Cabinet cards out of chipboard and gave them a coat of acrylic paint, sand and white mixed together straight onto the chipboard.

I used one of the lovely grasses from the same stamp set to add some detail to these panels, stamping in Coffee and Sepia Archival.





On the reverse, I stamped some woodgrain using one of the brilliant Kaisercraft stamps, tapping the same two Archival inks onto the stamp so that the colour varies across the panels, and blended on some Gathered Twigs DI for a more rustic look.

I cut two hinges from the Hardware Findings die out of Grungeboard, and inked them up with a mixture of Gathered Twigs and Vintage Photo inks and stains.





The beauty of Grungeboard is that it is flexible and mouldable, making it perfect for doing duty where there's going to be movement involved.

I used Pesto alcohol ink to colour a few of the Idea-ology fasteners and attached the hinges.

I even remembered to make sure that the attachers would be coming through behind the illustrations, so that they wouldn't be showing on the other side!  And, of course, that had to be done before sticking down the images.








And then I began to assemble my triptych.

There are twiggy hearts and mulberry paper flowers, and some more of my favourite wooden flourishes from Crafty Emblies.

It took some juggling to arrange them all to my satisfaction, but eventually I got out the Glossy Accents and glued everything in place.









The illustrations are mounted on padded tape, both to give them extra prominence and to keep them clear of the ends of the attachers which are coming through from behind.






I deliberately selected images where the rabbits aren't dressed in clothing, because I wanted to stick to the natural colour palette, but I know I'll be coming back to this set for another go - it's so lovely to work with.

And Nicecrane Designs also has several fabulous Beatrix Potter clipart sets, where you get a whole variety of characters from the Tales to play with - you may well see some of those soon too!

Since they're digital sets, you get them immediately, so you could use them to join in a few of the challenges I'm entering with this project - lots of furry themes have fortuitously all bobbed up this week!







For now, thank you so much for your company - so much appreciated - and I hope to see you again soon, either here or elsewhere in Craftyblogland.

I'm entering this in the following:
Simon Says Stamp and Show are looking for inspiration from stories and tales in Ever After
PanPastel UK are looking for Animals
Stamping Sensations are playing with Fur and Feathers for the whole of February
Hels Sheridan is offering Animal as the prompt for the Sunday Stampers over at Ink On My Fingers
And I don't know whether it's the done thing for a Guest Designer to enter the monthly challenge at the same time, but at the risk of being disqualified, I'd like to enter it for the Hearts and Flowers challenge at The Artistic Stamper too!


I cannot rest, I must draw, however poor the result, and when I have a bad time come over me it is a stronger desire than ever.

There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they'll take you.

For quiet, solitary and observant children create their own world and live in it, nourishing their imaginations on the material at hand.

Beatrix Potter

73 comments:

maj. said...

Fantastic work, totally love it!!!

Rita said...

What a magnificent piece of art. I loved every line of your story and how you created this beautiful creation. The colours and textures are brilliant and I'm sure you will never part with it. Hugs Rita xx

Kylie said...

Just wow! As usual I am in awe xx

brenda said...

Absolutely love you beautiful piece or artwork Alison, colours images and lovely detail.

Thanks so much for sharing with us at Stamping Sensations this month. It would also fit perfectly into our new Flonzcraft VSC theme.

B x

Astrid Maclean said...

GORGEOUS with a big G!! I especially love the frame, it really has a fairy tale feel to it and I truly admire what you manage to do with the Nicrane images. Growing up in the Netherlands Beatrix Potter was never a part of my own childhood, but it certainly was of my children's. Your chosen images belong to some of my favourites. A wonderful piece altogether!!

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Hi Alison, what a beautiful composition, the images are so whimsical and work perfectly in your textural frame. You have captured a real natural feel to this piece with the colours, textures and twiggy hearts. Lovely piece. Thanks so much for joining in the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge. Tracy x x

Claire said...

Oh my goodness what a stunning project. I love the images you've used and with so many pretty details I could look at it all day. Thanks for joining us at PanPastel UK this week and good luck
Claire xx

Hels Sheridan said...

Fabulous art ALison, and that you explained it all so perfectly makes it all the more special... Thanks for joining in with the Sunday Stamper x

Fliss said...

Wow Alison! Your totally stunning triptych has left me speechless! It really is the most beautiful creation and the textures and detail are truly amazing.
I adore Peter Rabbit too having loved all the tales as a child and you've now got me thinking of Hunca Munca and Jemima Puddleduck lol
Beautiful words to end with too.
Hugs, Fliss xx

Debbie said...

Stunning Alison! So much to see and I LOVE every detail. Adore Beatrix Potter! Beautiful!

Wishes From A Broad
Debbie
^..^

Cestina said...

As you know, Beatrix Potter is one of my "special women" so it is lovely to see her honoured like this.

Yes indeed she was a notable naturalist but sadly the acclamation on her fungal research only came 100 years after her paper was presented to the Linnean Society - by a man, since as a woman she was not allowed to present it herself. In 1997 the Society publicly apologised for their initial rejection of her theories....

Today her rabbits - one day her fungi?

Martina said...

Alison, this triptych is just brilliant, fantastic, totally awesome, wow, what more can I say. Love it!!!!

froebelsternchen said...

WOW Alsion, this is just an out standing Triptych. Gorgeous stamp indeed!

froebelsternchen said...

and I forgot to say that I am a big Beatrix Potter fan --- makes me happy to see this little treasure!

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

It's always a party, to see what you made this time Alison!
No disappointments...just admiration.
This creation has so many great things to see..wow...stunning artwork lady!!! Thanks for sharing..

greetings, Alie :-)

Dorthe said...

Oh Alison, I`m the one to say thank you for your company, where I can dvelwe in fairytales, seen through your artistic eyes, I`m sure Beatrix Potter loves this from afar.
It is a gorgeous frame you have given her drawings, and it is a very beautiful triptych.Love all the effects you make !
Hugs,Dorthe

Hettie said...

I thought your flutterby mobile was awesome but this beats even that! Love Love LOVE this piece. I too am a fan of Beatrix Potter, especially Tailor of Gloucester (I can now say I have been to the house too!)
Wonderful Alison.
xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

Gorgeous! Just love your description about each stage of it's creation! The images are just right for this too! Oh! Alison! You've done it again! Chrisx
ps Hope it wasn't too windy when you took it outside to photograph - it's blowing a gale here!

Redanne said...

Hi Alison, I am afraid that BP did not feature in my childhood growing up in Canada but I do love her funghi drawings and admire her scientific achievements. The drawings look perfect in your beautiful frames and the embellishments are gorgeous. You have given me the inspiration to have another go at my failed frames. Hugs, Anne x

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

I'm totally blown away again! Love your triple bunny goodness here...perfect timing is always best as you don't want to be late! The way you shabby it all up is really your signature style...I can pick you out from a line up...remarkable and just gorgeous Alison! I love every inch! Thank you sharing the magic of fairy tales with us this week at Simon Says Stamp & Show!!!

Krisha said...

Totally awesome work! Love the vintage feel and the images are so perfect for this.

Ana K. said...

Again, very creative piece. Your work is always amazing and full of details which I love to “discover”.
Hugs from Slovenia

Rosie said...

Wow, Alison, thi triptych is gorgeous. I love it

Sarah said...

Another breathtaking project, Alison. Your work enhances the beauty of the sweet images.

Bärbel said...

Liebe Alison, das Triptychon ist wunderschön gestaltet und die zauberhaften Motive haben darin einen passenden Platz gefunden. Auch die farbliche Gestaltung finde ich sehr schön.
Liebe Grüße.

pinky said...

Wow what an amazing project, finished to perfection. Thanks for joining us at Stamping Sensations.
Pinky

Debi said...

i love Peter Rabbit :) and your frames do him great justice this would be so pretty in a child's room- just gorgeous, Debi x

Mrs.B said...

Hi Alison, this is soooo beautiful!
I love Peter Rabbit, and if your printer had a 'green day' it worked well to give such a vintage look to the prints. Beautiful finish on the frames.
Avril xx

Annie said...

Wow Alison...I think this has to be my favourite piece of yours so far. I love the textured frame and subtle stamping, creating an aged shabby look. The images are gorgeous and PR is a wonderful tale. An absolutely beautiful piece to treasure.

Hugs

Annie x

Anonymous said...

this is just stunning! I love the texture, beautifully done
Hugs julie P

Sally H said...

A stunningly beautiful creation, Alison! Thank you so much for sharing it with us at Stamping sensations this month and good luck!

sam21ski said...

Gorgeous and so shabby chic

Sam xxx

Jenny Marples said...

Aren't these Peter Rabbit images divine?! Love your textured frames and that mottled colouring. The little hearts are amazing too. Hope all is well with you. Hugs, Jenny x

Paper Profusion said...

Totally wonderful Alison - what a beautiful piece! The frames are so stunning - love how you stamped on the ripppled paste surface. Wooden stamped reverse also superb abd great use of the hardware die. Love the whole ensemble. Nicola x

fatmonica said...

This is a fabulous piece of work.I love it.Those images and the backgrounds are stunning.

Geraldine said...

so gorgeous, I love your triptych, the textures and colours and fantastic, best wishes.

Chrissy said...

Oh! WOW!! Alison, this is just gorgeous...so pretty and vintagy..I love Peter Rabbit, love all the details and colours..beautiful work.

Luv CHRISSYxx

Anonymous said...

this is gorgeous! I just want to reach out and touch it!!!

chrissie said...

Amazing frames Alison and you have found the perfect pictures to go with them.

Love Chrissie xx

itsazoo said...

simply gorgeous

craftytrog said...

Love, love love!!! xx

Unknown said...

I always have a huge WOW moment every time I visit you. Your creativity is just amazing and you always have such great projects. I just adore this Peter Rabbit triptych, so beautifully done.

Candy C said...

Alison...these triptych frames are so beautiful! I love the texture and the colors and the small stamped vines on them. Such lovely details in the textures of the frames. Your sweet little Peter Rabbit scenes are so cute featured in the centers of the frames. I also love your embellishments that you've added to the exterior frames as well as the stamped "brush" that you've done on the interior background. As always, your art is so well thought out and executed. These are lovely! Thanks for sharing your art with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wow, that's a gorgeous creation.

Anna-Karin said...

Another gorgeous project Alison! Love the textured frames, back and front. Beautiful backgrounds for those great images. Thank you for sharing another wonderful project with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show!

Gio said...

This is so darn cute!! :-)

Kathy/NorthCarolina said...

this is so beautiful! I love the texture you created on the frame, and the feeling of whimsy that exudes from this project. Absolutely gorgeous!

May said...

Jaw dropping Beauty.... Love it... Hugs May x x x

Kjersti said...

I'm in love with this Alison! Beautiful decorated frames and the images... soo adorable - the Peter Rabbit illustrations are really beautiful!
Hugs Kjersti:)

Annette said...

Hello Hello, thank you for your lovely comment on my blog. Had to come to check yours. Wauw, I see stunning work. Very nice! Love the details! Love everything!
xoxo Annette

Lynne K said...

Wow! Alison, this is amazing! Such a lot of work gone into it. I love all the colours and textures, and the images are just gorgeous. Thank you for sharing it with us at Stamping Sensations, and good luck.

Thanks also for your lovely comment on my blog.

Lynne x

Keren Tamir said...

Wow I'm in awe of this creation!! love the texture on the frame. gotta buy myself some ferro!!

Maura said...

This is just gorgeous!!

Unknown said...

Love this!!! I'm a big fan of Peter Rabbit and this is a wonderful project Alison.

Francesca said...

What an amazing creation
thanks for joining us at Stamping sensations this month and good luck!

Hugs
Francesca

Claudia N. said...

Best piece you've ever done, Alison! I sooo love Peter Rabbit, but your interpretation kept him up to some higher level!!! Brilliant, lovely, beautiful! I am totally in love with this one!

Hugs,

Claudia x

Anonymous said...

Simply Gorgeous!! Hope all is well Alison.
Regards Florence x

Kelly said...

This is glorious!! I just love to come by your blog and see the unique creativity you have. You are a versatile artist. I do love this one a ton!
Hugs, Kelly

Nicecrane Designs said...

Totally stunning,,,,,, Alison ,,,,,,sooooooo adorable,,, so cute, so vintage, sorry Iwas fixing bugs in my store OMG,,,,,Love the distressed effect on the funny PR picts,and these gorgeus flowers,,,,OMG,,,,what Can I say,,,,,,,simply a Play of Art... I am sending you my latest , and especially new PR digi stamp to create (banner to fill)with your fav Title, quote,,,and my sampler SHHHH

Nicecrane Designs said...

Dear friends, I am Nicecrane Designs,,,I am stopping any Peter Rabbit order,,,,,if you are living on UK,because this character is copyrighted on this country.... . Alison used a free drawing as she belong to my DT,,,,and I didn´t sell her the collage sheet... I usually acept orders from EEUU because there Copyright law about Peter Rabbit Characters are different,,,sorry for the incovenience to people on the UK.

Marjie Kemper said...

What a beautiful piece for your mantle or tabletop. I love the way you connected the cards with the grunge pieces and all the twiggery/floral accents. Not to mention the amazing texture a la Alison!

Ephemera said...

Simply exquisite, they are so beautiful, adore the rustic and shabby frames. I remember being entranced by the ballet version too, and I used to copy the illustrations in pen and ink as a child. xx

Brenda Brown said...

Wonderful frames Alison, fabulous textures and colours and great images. Love how you have put these together. Thanks for sharing your amazing project at PanPastel UK this week.
Hugs Brenda xox

Tracey said...

Oh Alison I LOVE your creation! Fabulous project, with so many awesome details to adore! it for sure brings back fond childhood memories. Thanks so much for joining us at Simon Says Stamp and Show :)

Unknown said...

Beautiful Tryptic - love the attention to detail on the back of your work too. Your colours perfectly compliment the Peter Rabbit illustrations.

Suzanne C said...

Gorgeous! Glad you played along with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show!

Sandra said...

This is magnificent, Alison! I really love all the details. It's amazing! Thank you so much for joining us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. Hugs, Sandra

Artyjen said...

How fabulous....love everything about it ;) Thanks for playing at The Artistic Stamper this month.
xoxo Sioux

mark gould said...

oh wow, stunningly beautiful, the frames are gorgeous and the images work perfectly. congrats on your top 3 xx

Tracy said...

I love your choice of images, beautiful details and the design too, thanks for joining Penny Black & More @ Allsorts challenge good luck.
Happy crafting
Tracy x

Maura said...

So glad you won- this is so beautiful!! Well deserved:)

Sandy said...

Okay Alison, we have to come up with a different dialog here. I am so sick of saying - beautiful, gorgeous, outstanding, so creative, OMG!, you are so talented, fabulous, marvelous, amazing - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! Let's just say I will follow you til death do us part. Now sometimes I will be a little late mind you - but I get there!!
I am in awe of Beatrix Potter - wonderful artist and a wonderful person!
Sandy

Chris said...

I thought I must have missed something when I saw you'd won on SSSS and congrats on that Alison your creation is breathtaking and so much like a fairy tal book should look in my mind, amazing! X ps it was also great to read that you'd had your triptych waiting for the right project, I've been doing that too with one made of corrugated card, I'm still waiting for my right project though :D x