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...

Thursday 21 February 2013

Tin Can Insect Tag

Hello everyone!  So glad you dropped in today, as it's the start of a brand new challenge over at eclectic Paperie.  It's hosted by Donna-Marie, and her challenge to us all is to use Folded Paper of some sort in a project.  In her words: this can be paper folded into a pocket, origami shape, pleated flowers, crumpled on a canvas, etc... so the sky's the limit!  There's a prize sponsored by the lovely Kim of eclectic Paperie - a voucher to spend at the great eP store (lots of new goodies available) - so why not get folding and join in?!

So here's my starter for ten - my Tin Can Insect Tag (I really enjoy how the tongue has to dance to say that!).


And for those who've wondered recently when I find the time to sleep... well, this one was a midnight - 2.30 a.m. number.  I had the idea (at midnight, sadly), and I had to pursue it!  I do have the huge advantage of not having to run around looking after a husband and children, so when I'm between freelance jobs, my time really is my own!



I went for crumply rather than foldy...  I started out by pleating some Tim Holtz Melange tissue wrap very neatly onto a tag, but it really didn't feel like me, so I got a bit messier about the whole thing.












Once I had it in place, all nice and wrinkly, I set about it with various Distress Stains, Distress Inks and sprays, including some Dylusions ones, used very sparingly, as I'm still a little wary of their vividness!










I also added some Perfect Pearls Mists in Pearl and in Turquoise, so that there's a real shimmer to the waves of paper.  I had to be extra vigilant to catch a moment's sunshine to show off the lustre!

I'm constantly astonished at how much the colours shift just according to whether the picture is taken in sunlight or in cloud.









I used the Inkssentials white gel pen to add some wavy doodles and framing lines to the tag.  And if you look closely, you'll also see the shimmer of some white Enamel Accents which I added as a border around the edges.

It was originally a very neat white line, but again it didn't really feel like me, so I roughed it up, spreading it into the wrinkles of the paper, and I really like the final effect.





Then it was time to put into practice the idea I'd had...  It span out of the embossed metal panel and flowers I made out of a Diet Coke tin for my Imagine hanging, and out of the completely jaw-dropping tag the amazing Anna-Karin shared over at the Simon Says Stamp and Show Metal-ology challenge.


As soon as I saw her metallic wings, I thought... here we go with another tin can!



So I (carefully) cut apart another empty Diet Coke can (there are always plenty of those on hand), and got out some alcohol inks to play with.  Not entirely sure any longer, but I think Stream, Bottle, Cloudy Blue, Meadow and Denim were involved, along with some blending solution applied with the blending tool and felt pad.

Look, here are the backs of the wings poking out round the edge of the tag to prove it!













Once I had a mottled look which pleased me, I used the Layered Wings die in conjunction with the co-ordinating Texture Fade embossing folder - made to fit - to cut and emboss my metal.







The BigShot seems perfectly happy to cut the thin aluminium of the cans, and so far they haven't caused any damage to my embossing folders either - but I should probably issue a "WITH CARE" warning to be on the safe side.










I was delighted that one of the Donna Downey Empowered Words sentiments is laid out vertically, making it the perfect choice for a butterfly's body.  I stamped it in Versamark clear ink and used the Ranger SuperFine clear powder to emboss it.  Then I used Peacock Feathers, Mowed Lawn and Chipped Sapphire to gently ink the paper around it so that the white words would spring forth.

I handcut around the quote in what I hoped was an insectoid shape, and layered it up with the three sets of wings.  The great thing about the tin is that it not only takes the embossing really well, with sharp detailing, but it is also mouldable; so I was able to shape the wings to give the whole creature some more dimensionality.  If you get him at the right angle, he looks ready to fly right off the tag.


The antennae are very thin strips of paper, curled around some dowelling, and glued behind the butterfly's head.  I put a tiny dot of the white Enamel Accents at the base of each antenna and - since it was now 2.45 a.m. - I left it to dry and went to bed.

Should've stayed on guard, I now see, as some little bubbles have risen to the surface.  For insect antennae, that's fine, but if it had been something where the smoothness mattered...  Ah, well, it was probably good to get some sleep!

I used some paper string at the top of the tag, again curling it around the dowelling to match the antennae.



So there's my folded paper inspiration, even if it ended up as the background to a more metallic piece... I hope you'll have time to stop by at eclectic Paperie and see Donna-Marie's fantastic project, as well as the ones the rest of the DT will be adding to the Linky for your delectation.

And of course we'd love to have you play along, and see how you interpret the Folded Paper Challenge.  For now, I'd like to thank you all for spending some of your precious time here at Words and Pictures, and to wish you happy crafting, or whatever else it is you're getting up to!

Wrinkles are engraved smiles.
Jules Renard

Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.
Mark Twain

With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.
William Shakespeare

I'd like to enter this in the Metal-ology challenge at Simon Says Stamp and Show
And at Allsorts they're looking for Things With Wings and I'm just in time!

Click on any link to take you direct to the product:


63 comments:

Inkypinkycraft said...

another stunning make! yummy textures and colours..scrummy
sorry if I have missed some comments hand makes typing slow and painful hugs trace x
one fingered typing takes a while!
xx

Gio said...

Just IN-CREDIBILE, Alison!! The shades , the insect , all those folded creases...no words!
You are very inspired!

Sophie said...

Boah, Alison,
was für eine schöne Überraschung heute morgen...
Ein wunderschönes Tag mit diesem schillernden Schmetterling.
Eine super Idee.

Sophie xx

Helen said...

WOW! I love this - the crumpled background strangely is my favourite element of your tag, although the whole is gorgeous - and the use of the stamp down the body is fabulous (Where do you get Donna's stamps in the UK - or do you get the shipped over? I love them!)

Helen said...

sorry, just clicked on the product link for the stamps!!!

craftimamma said...

What an amazing tag Alison. The crumpled background is gorgeous and the colours and texture make me want to touch it .... gently, of course! Your insect is very beautiful, again with both colour and texture and you did a brilliant job with it's body. Truly inspirational once again.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Rita said...

What a striking piece of art Alison.
I adore the pretty colours and that insect is wonderful. Enjoy your day. Hugs Rita xxx

Carol Q said...

fabulous shade of green (or blue?) Alison and a great way to use the layered wings die. I really must have a go at recycling our drinks cans - you've made this work so well.

toni said...

Hi Alison i know the feeling of late night/ early morning crafting! The worse thing is when you finally get to bed and then can't sleep because your head is buzzing with ideas. Your late night stint has produced a very lovely tag, in what i am coming to regard as your beauitiful signature colours.I've not tried tin cans as I have a cuttlebug and i'm not sure it would be up to that. I do use tomato puree tubes however and they are brilliant, i'm working with one at the moment . Hopefuly posting that soon x

House of Bears said...

We always assumed you sleep crafted! Another wonderful project from you. As for the Dylusions sprays, if you spray the new white one on top it's supposed to givethe underlying colour a pastel tone.

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

Stunning result...love the text in the dragonfly's body and the colours...great.

greetings, Alie :-)

ionabunny said...

Love those colours and the embossing on your insect. Really must have a go with the alcohol inks.....

Bonnie Irvine said...

I could just stare at this tag for ages. The background is stunning with the combination of folds, wrinkles, and shimmer. I would love to see it in real life because I can imagine how they catch the light as it moves. The butterfly is simply amazing. The alcohol ink combo is delightful and the embossing really plays up the depth of colour you achieved. I really like how you used the layered wings. It gives them a completely different look than stacking would. So inspiring, Alison!

Redanne said...

Stunning background Alison and love the wings on the insect and the great sentiment. Love how you did the antennae and the wonderful twiddly bits on the top of the tag. Hugs, Anne x

Deborah said...

Love the crumply tissue wrap, love the whole thing!

Unknown said...

Really, you are such an amazing creative soul. A tin can insect tag? Yes, you really are amazing. xx

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Another fabulous tactile tag and those teal/blue/green colours are sensational. Wonderful textural background and a wonderful piece of recycling. Thanks so much for joining in the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge. You are one busy bee. Tracy x x

Laurart said...

Really gorgeous! - I am loving the embossed metal - but I think I will be stuck trying to improvise that one! Love the quote too! Love from Laura xxxxxxx

Anna-Karin said...

Beautiful tag!! Love the textured backgrounds, the colours and of course the gorgeous butterfly. How great that you had a sentiment stamp that fit perfectly. The wings look wonderful!! Thank you for the kind words about my tag! And for sharing another gorgeous project with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show!

Krisha said...

What a wonderful tag!! Love the colors and the texture of the background. The butterfly is just amazing.

Astrid Maclean said...

Well, this certainly is different, though of course in one of your favourite colours. Love all the different textures and tactile elements on this tag and how it all fits together! The way you did the butterfly is so creative and clever and I love how it fits that Donna stamp!

Annette Green said...

Awesome tag Alison. So much to take in. And love the colors! I'm glad you entered the SSS&S blog challenge too. I was thinking that as I was reading through your post. Great job!

Terry said...

Love all this gorgeous metal, Alison! What a beautiful hanging to welcome Spring! Hugs!

Chrissy said...

Loads of fabulous texture here Alison, and the colours are just stunning, fabulous tag..

Luv CHRISSYxx

Kim said...

Wow, Alison, this is stunning! I love the wings and the sentiment in the middle of the body...wonderful! And I love the colors...just beautiful!

May said...

Gorgeous work Alison... Love the texture & colours... Wonderful wings & sentiment!!! This is STUNNING, Love it all... Hugs May x x x

Netty said...

terrific tag Alison, loving the colours and textures. xx

froebelsternchen said...

absolutely GORGEOUS Alison.. I adore this piece!

Dorthe said...

So wonderful layerd tissue on the tag, I love the gorgeous layers it creates Alison, and also the use of coke tin, which made those amazing wings,- are fantastic! I have tried it a few times ,and you are right that even the embossing folders can make such beautiful work on the tins!
Love the quote and the stay up late tag, it is beautiful!
xo,Dorthe

Janny Jager said...

Fabulous Tag Alison.
greta textures and colrs and of course the stamps you used.
Greetings Janny

Annie said...

Fabulous background created here Alison and I love the tin can wings. Stunning piece

Hugs
Annie x

Jenny Marples said...

Absolutely ADORE that wrinkly background which sets off your 'Coke can creation' beautifully. More genius on display! Please make sure you get some sleep and take care of yourself. Hugs, Jenny x

Dagmar said...

a great job - the shimmer and the butterfly effect really mystical.
A fantastic Tag!!!

Hettie said...

This is lovely Alison! Love that sentiment stamp too!
Hugs
xx

Kasia said...

What a beautiful tag! I'm so impressed with your project. The background is stunning, and the wings ... wow, just amazing :)

catherine said...

This looks so great Alison and so effective. Loving the colour
x catherine

qedziorq said...

wow!!! I love colours, words, how it's made...everything!

pearshapedcrafting said...

An amazing tag(you know what I would have used!) Just love that metal winged creature - the colours are perfect! Could have crafted at midnight myself last night but I had already taken my tablet and it makes me queasy if I get up! Chrisx

Tracy said...

Wow Alison...Drop dead Gorrrgeous ...sitting with my mouth open swooning!!
Hmmm now to go find some tin cans....
Hugs
xoxox

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

Sensational, Alison. LOVE the colors and those wonderful metal wings! Amazing crinkled background too. This guy made me smile! Glad you got some sleep.

Hugs,
Linda

Keren Tamir said...

These are phenomenal. I also want to thank you for all the lovely comments you always leave on my blog. Your work is truly amazing

chrissie said...

Just amazing--so much inspiration I will need to stay up until 2.30am if I am going to make anything like that.

Good old Shakespeare has the answer to why I am so wrinkled lol

Have a great day

Love Chrissie xx

Brenda Brown said...

Fabulous work so inspiring.
Hugs Brenda xox

Geraldine said...

stunning tag, love the background with the crumpled and layered tissue paper, and the tin can insect is fabulous.

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Your tin buggy is a hoot!!! Love your bug and I'm not the big loving type...I am the smush it up type...lol! Oh those wings...YUMMO! Love your wrinkled folded paper background...absolutely crazy fabulous! Fab tag girl...so crazy FUN!!! Thank you for showing us your metals at Simon Says Stamp & Show this week!

cathylynn said...

Phenomenal! Wowzers this is fantastic! Love those colors and textures. Now those wings are screaming mad! Totally awesome. I'm saving my cans thanks to you! LOL!!!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Kelly said...

I love this, the colors and the bug, I have those wings and never thought about a bug. Look how cute you made it. Your creativity fasinates me. Love it.
Hugs Kelly

Anonymous said...

Wow - what a beautiful inspiration! Love it! I know what you mean by items not being messy enough. Thank you for sharing! Love those paper curls!

Basement Stamper said...

Wow! This artwork is amazing. I love the color and the body of the butterfly is gorgeous.

craftytrog said...

It's simply stunning Alison! I love the colour, & the fabulous texture on the tag!
Alison xx

brenda said...

A beautiful piece of artwork Ali ans stunning colours, thanks so much for sharing with us at Allsorts this week.

B x

Sandy said...

Well this creation did not quite look like you for some weird reason. I guess it's the juxtaposition of your pretty face and that insect! And Alison, you must be pretty good with tin clips -- I am sure I would gravely injure myself! The back ground is gorgeous and I am impressed with what you can do with a diet coke can!
Sandy

Bärbel said...

Ein sehr interessantes Projekt, Alison, mich begeistern die metallemem Flügel, sie sind wirklich großartig!

Chris said...

Superb Alison and what an amazing piece of metal work. I love your folded paper background too and such gorgeous colours! X

Sue said...

Totally gorgeous tag Alison, I love your crumpled paper background,and can imagine how it looks in the sunlight. Your bug is amazing, fabulous way to arrange the wings, and the curly antennae are perfect!

Erin Smetak said...

I am supremely impressed with your butterfly tag! Holy moly! You used a diet coke can for the wings?! Amazing! I HAVE to get that die! And the way you applied the alcohol inks! It's so shimmery!
Love how you folded the tissue paper! It takes on a neat dimension all on its own!

Neet said...

Hey Alison, that's a bit clever with the products at the bottom!

Love your tag. What a fabulous colour, and what a great way to use the paper string. A real fresh looking tag with such lovely colours.

Hugs, Neet xx

Lucy Edmondson said...

Alison, Love the use of the tin can and those gorgeous shimmery colours!

Lucy x

Gillian .... said...

Better late than never (hence my late arrival), empathise on the midnight hour inspiration. ALison this is utterly inspired, love the recyling idea, colours are awesome. xx

Mikaela said...

gorgeus! I see that I have to by that die :) thanks for the inspiration

Unknown said...

Wow! Beautiful. Chris xx

Micki said...

Wow, that is awesome. Love the mottled green color and literally have to pick up my mouth off the floor. Love it.

Kezzy said...

Wow stunning, wish I could have a feel as I bet the texture is amazing. Hugs Kezzy :-) xxx