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 March 2013

Box of Delights

Hello and welcome everyone - thank you so much for stopping by today.  There's a new challenge starting today at eclectic Paperie, hosted by Bonnie, who has challenged us to use Corrugated Cardboard - yay!!  Regulars will know that's music to my ears...  You'll find all the details of the challenge here, and there's a prize voucher sponsored by Kim at eP to be won, so I really hope you'll come and play along.

Two projects collided on my craft table this week, and so this corrugated cardboard construction also features some wonderful new images from Nicecrane Designs... the Fascinating Babies.  I'll give you links to them as well as to all the yummy eP ingredients at the foot of the post, but let's get down to business first.





May I introduce you to the Box of Delights?



Here's the exterior of the piece...



...front...














...and back...


(You'll get to see the sides later, never fear!)











...and you've just seen a hint of what might happen when you open it out, like this...


The five Fascinating Babies in this Nicecrane set are both hilarious and slightly disturbing - perfect chubby babies engaged in activities way beyond their years, with varying degrees of success.  (Click this for a bigger view, and there are close-ups further down, of course!)



Let me take you on a quick tour of the piece... I'll try not to talk too much - though there are lots of photos... it's one of those kinds of pieces, I'm afraid.

I keep saying "piece" because I'm not sure what to call it really - it's just the shape the cardboard was after I'd rescued it from packaging duty to live a life of creative fulfilment...

It was a pretty unprepossessing strip of folded cardboard, which had obviously held something within another box.

Five is a strange number to deal with, but the cardboard is also slightly weird: asymmetrical, and with big creases in irregular places (though once you fold it, you see that it all works out).






That's when the magical collision happened: the babies were lying on one side of the table, the cardboard on another, having just been stripped, and my brain just said: "What if....?"

And lo and behold they sat beautifully on the cardboard - along the long edges, between the creases.  And there's something rather pleasing to me about the asymmetricality of it - quirky, like the Babies themselves.



On the outside/back, you can see the results of some further experiments with the Gelli Plate (the first outing was as part of the Background Noise yesterday if you missed it).

I used paints that would echo the colours on the images inside, and pressed various Crafter's Workshop stencils onto my painty surface to give some more texture.

I've still got lots to learn about making successful monoprints but I'm having a lovely (messy) time finding out!

It was an act of faith to start cutting them up, and one of those miraculous moments when it turned out that the 12 strips (each of the four prints cut into 3 strips) were the exact right amount to cover the back of my corrugated cardboard strip!






Once trimmed to fit, they did of course get a touch of inking around the edges with Walnut Stain.











I also added some sentiments from the Donna Downey Empowered Words set which set the tone for what you'll meet inside...








They're stamped on handmade (not by me... yet) paper in Coffee Archival and inked for a grungier look.










There's an Idea-ology Bookplate glued on at either end... Be Bold on the bolder coloured monoprint, and Be True on the subtler one.

And the crinkle ribbon is, of course, dyed with some more inks and stains to tone in with the general colour accents.













Once you get inside, the Babies themselves are mounted on chipboard and layered onto some more of the handmade paper, gesso'd burlap, and then of course you have the corrugated cardboard background...












I just love the roughened texture you get from part-peeled cardboard.  This has also had a rough, random coating of gesso and various Distress Paints and Stains to add even more texture as well as to highlight what's already there.


There are some more Empowered Words attached to each of the images... very deliberately selected, of course!






The steampunk baby has chosen mechanical empowerment - but it doesn't seem to be working out that well!  He'll find out the power of self-empowerment some day soon.














She couldn't possibly live any more "inspired", could she?  She's crafting!  I love how she is so completely absorbed in what she's doing...












Love the toddler reaching for something almost beyond his grasp... and achieving it.












I hope this little guy will find his inner courage soon... or else build a bigger ark.













And the feminist marching for Equality, speaking out, is probably my favourite: you go, girl!












On the narrower columns, I've added further inspirational quotes, mounted on padded tape, with some Idea-ology metal accents... all still about the belief, strength and power you'll need to take you through life.





One more open and shut case... 


...and a final, epic panoramic view...


... brings us to the end of another epic post.  
Thank you so much if you've stuck with it this far!

I hope this has given you some inspiration to join in with the Corrugated Cardboard challenge at eclectic Paperie, and if you visit the blog you'll see more inspiration from my fabulous teammates linked up with the letters DT after their names.  You can also click on any of the links below to take you straight to the ingredients used today.




And if it's Ignacio's fabulous pictures that have tempted you, then you'll find the Fascinating Babies right here; and check out all the other wonderful digital images available at Nicecrane Designs - there really is something for everyone!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope to see you again soon - either here, or elsewhere in Craftyblogland.

It sometimes happens, even in the best of families, that a baby is born.  This is not necessarily cause for alarm.  The important thing is to keep your wits about you and borrow some money.
Elinor Goulding Smith





I'd like to enter this in the following:
At the Inspiration Journal, they'd like us to Add a Little Pop - there's the mounted dimensionality of the Fascinating Babies, sentiments popped on padded tape, as well as the whole inside popping out at you when you open it up!
I'll go for some more Pick and Mix at Country View Challenges
At Crafty Emblies, they are now an Anything Goes challenge with teams for both Altered Art and PaperCrafting - to be honest, I'm not sure where this goes!
At Unruly Paper Arts, they would like us to Add an ATC: the five Fascinating Babies are each ATC-sized
The Southern Girls are playing The Kids Are Alright (well I'm not entirely sure about some of this lot, but if they follow the sentiments, they should be!)

Click on the link to go to the product:







79 comments:

Debi said...

I really don't know how you find the time to make all these gorgeous creations- this one's another stunner :-) Debi x

Brenda Brown said...

What a brilliant successful outcome combining the two things. Love the box opening up, fabulous inky techniques and great little images.
Have a great day.
hugs {brenda} x0x

Chrissy said...

Just wonderful Alison, I love the babies, such cute little imps aren't they..fantastic corrugated project...hope you have shares in Gesso..or a very good supplier..lol..brilliant my girl,love it.

Luv CHRISYxx

Inkypinkycraft said...

Alison another great make, funny I made apiece using a piece of corrugated box, but posted yesterday...will have to get making! Thisis great and love your gelli plate experiments! They are great ...another clev make trace x hugs x

Helen said...

oh, Alison!!!! This is fantastic, I love the use of cardboard and those babies!

Annie said...

FABULOUS Alison!!! Love what you have made here.....very inspiring x

Hugs Annie x

toni said...

This is alteration at it's very best! That unassuming strip of card has become a fabulous piece of art . Alison you are the queen of corrugated goodness! Superb love it x

Anna-Karin said...

Another wonderful project Alison and such a great idea. Love the background you created and all the little words you added to each image are just perfect.

Elaine aka Ellapu said...

Fabulous project hun. TFS with us over at Crafty-Emblies this month. Hope to see you in future challenges and remember we are now an Anything Goes challenge blog be it either card/paper craft or Altered Art.
Elaine aka Ellapu CEDT

Dawn Ruth said...

Well wowee this is fantastic. It would make a great gift.

Laurart said...

Gorgeous! I adore all the cute pictures and I love the corrugated card - All the shabby artsy chic look is wonderful. Lots of love from Laura xxxxxxxx

Deborah said...

Your creativity with cardboard knows no bounds. Amazing.

Claudia N. said...

Brilliant work as always, Alison!

Love your combining of corrugated card, fabric and colours so much!

Not sure about the babies yet *lol

Hugs,
Claudia x

Redanne said...

Your artful journey never ceases to amaze me. I am in total awe of this fabulous piece of work Alison and cannot find adequate words to describe what I am thinking! Like you, the little feminist is my favourite, she has such a determined look on her face. My old colleagues at the Equalities Commission would love this image! Hugs, Anne x

brenda said...

So nice to know there are other corrugated fans out there Alison, my hubby thinks I've lost the plot hoarding it, but as I always tell him you never know when it will come in useful.

Love what you have done with it here, a real Pandora's box.

B x

Anjas-Artefaktotum said...

That is again a fabulous masterpiece, my dear. What a gorgeous making and I'm excited about the awesome result.
Thanks also for the progress photos.
Wish you a nice day.
Hugs Anja

Karen Willis said...

Wow! Such a fabulous project from such a mundane piece of cardboard, amzing. Love those little babies, so cute! Thanks for joining over at Crafty-Emblies. Karen xx(DT Member)

Bonnie Irvine said...

Alison, this is a fabulous response to the challenge! I love every detail. Wonderful use of the corrugated cardboard. It provides such an interesting and textured frame for the adorable images and all of those meaningful words. The gelli plate strips on the front create such a cool background but only hint at the goodness inside. The combination of the metal bits and the corrugated card and gesso is a delight. Awesome!

barbarayaya62 said...

So cute! babies are sweet and your work is fantastici! BArbarayaya

Fliss said...

I'm in total awe Alison! A real box of shabby chic delights. The images and quotes are so gorgeous. Love it!
Fliss xx
PS: A corrugated card fan too!

Unknown said...

Fabulous I love how you have used corrugated cardboard hun thank you for joining in the fun at Crafty-Emblies
Seema x
C-E DT

Rita said...

Wow,Wow,and Wow Alison,my gob is well and truly smacked with this one. Fabulous just isn't enough. Terrific techniques and a great Tutorial too. Have a Great Day. Hugs Rita xx

Janny Jager said...

Fabulous project Alison.
So many things to see and they are all very very beautiful.
Love it.
Greetings Janny

The House of Bears said...

Wow that's a fabulous way to repurpose something we'd normally throw away without even thinking about it. We do love your corrugated card projects and have started saving packaging ourselves now. We love what you've made here.

Astrid Maclean said...

Love the idea of this and all the inky goodness. To be honest, I'm not a great fan of those babies, but well done using them like this!!

Lisa Minckler said...

I love when an artistic collision comes together to live happily among rescued cardboard and layers of supportive gesso. The Nicecrane images worked perfectly with this project and the sentiments you chose for each are perfection!
That was such a fun read and thanks so much Alison for the wonderful tutorial and inspiration. :)
hugs,
Lisa x

Dianne said...

Your the DELIGHT my dear Alison, with all your words and fabulous pics it DELIGHTFUL, thanks again for inspiring me, have a wonderful day..

froebelsternchen said...

heartwarming ART Alison.. I can feel all the love and know how you put in this particular amazing piece of art!
smashing!

Alexa said...

What a great project - you've must have spent ages planning it and to see it all come together so beautifully is lovely!

Jennie Atkinson said...

Alison, your projects just blow me away! How can you make a piece of cardboard look so fantastic!!!! Brilliant, stunning, just amazing. And thanks for all the photographs and how to - I might just have a go next time a parcel arrives!

Carol Q said...

can't keep up with all your creations Alison! this certainly is a box of delights. I love the quotes you've attached to each image. slightly hilarious too. another gorgeous creation.

Tracy said...

What a wonderful project. I am starting to love using corrugated card too in projects too it give such a lovely grungy look.
Thank you for joining in the Crafty Emblies Challenge and I look forward to seeing more of your creations now I have become a follower
Tracy (Crafty Emblies DT member)

Ana K. said...

I love recycled art and your is just awesome!!! Fantastic what you did with poor old cardboard :) Love it inside and outside!
Hugs from Slovenia

Nicecrane Designs said...

OMG Alison,,,,,this is Play of Art, my friend,,,,I love every detail here, and what a creativity yours my friend,,,,,love the corrugated cardboard, these stunning orange ribbons, and what a unnusual wayu to use my "Fascinating Babies" pack,,,, woww,wowww,,,,, You are rock. Horayyyyy for Alison.

Annette Green said...

Holy Crow, Alison. Is there nothing you can't do? This is a genius use of the cardboard and so unique and beautiful. I love it!

Maelchen said...

Again a visual surprize has been awaiting me on your blog! I really have to come every day as you are so busy creating this wonderful pieces (when do you sleep?). I just love corrugated cardboard, too. Always have to take care that hubby does not mistake my peeled works for trash. Your idea of presenting the babies in such folder is brilliant and - again - inspires me so much!
Thanks for sharing, dear!
Greets, Manu

pearshapedcrafting said...

Love all the different elements in this Alison! The way you made the base for those lovely babies is just amazing! Chrisx

Paper Profusion said...

Fabulous use of the 'quirky' images Alison to make an absolutely wonderful box with tons of inky magic. Nicola x

maj. said...

You create such beautiful artworks! Totally stunning project!!!

Kim said...

Squeal! This is so much fun! What a truly delightful project. I love every square inch..so creative!!

Julia S-W said...

This is my favourite out of the three I have viewed today. I love corrugated card but need to use it more often.
What makes this so special are the words and those stunning little children. The little one knitting is just adorable! I just love how all your elements draw together as if they were meant to be. Stunning. Swoon!!
Juliaxx

Silvia(Barnie) said...

A fantastic project, so many wonderful details. Thanks for sharing all the step-by-step photos.

catherine said...

This looks brilliant Alison. you are so creative and talented. love all the pictures
x catherine

Minxy said...

A super fun project with totally adorable images, love it x

Anonymous said...

Oh wow Alison, fabulous project ! Love the way you've used the cardboard and the images are gorgeous ! Sue C x

Candy C said...

Alison....once again, you have managed to get my jaw onto the ground! I so love your art and how your mind works! This folded box is so cool! I love your images of the children. I love the design of your box and that it is done using a corrugated box. That always adds so much texture and interest. Love your bits of metal, burlap and other textural embellishments. YOU ROCK! Thanks for the very nice compliments you left on my blog as well. You're always so kind and I truly appreciate it! <3 Candy

Chris said...

A stunning piece Alison and the texture from the corrugated card is very yummy :D! Your mono prints are beautiful, I really like the grubbiness of them and they're perfect with those quirky babies. Chris x

chrissie said...

This is amazing Alison and I have never seen anything like it before.

Marvellous use of the images and the word stamps.

Love Chrissie xx

Ozawa said...

It's soooo cute! Wonderful how you created the sides and the chose the right words for the pictures. I love it!

Micki said...

Wow, that is truly a delight. I love the texture but I'm just blown away by the awesome idea. It's gorgeous.

Kate Yetter said...

Gorgeous, Alison. The texture from the cardboard, the gesso and your inking make a fabulous piece. And a perfect way to display those adorable vintage illustrations!
Kate

Kelly said...

You are so creative, you just get at a box, cut it up and find the corrugated part and the make the most gorgeous set of images. I love that you think like this. This is gorgeous, I love those babies, so many personalities! lol It is a pleasure to stop in and see what you come up with.
Hugs Kelly

craftytrog said...

Wow!!! Amazing what you can do with a bit of cardboard packaging Alison! This is absolutely stunning! xx

crealinedance said...

Hallo Your project is beautiful.Gr.Nel

Keren Tamir said...

most amazing project ever!! you're the queen of altered projects!! phenomenal project!!

Unknown said...

Love the colors you used. It is a very wonderful box.

Marlies

Martina said...

What a cool project, Alison!
Beautifully created! BRAVO!

Kjersti said...

A gorgeous project Alison, love the toddlers and great sentiments you put on:)
Wish you a nice Easter holiday!
Hugs Kjersti:)

Sandy said...

My life would not be the same without you in it Alison -- I so appreciate your tutorials. One day -- right now I am dealing with a sick little goat - had to had the vet out yesterday. But I know I will be back to your blog and trying to pick up some of what you do - fabulous art work Sugar!!
Sandy

valou250809 said...

Wonderful creation ! Fabulous inking! thanks for playing with "SGC" this week! good lukc!

Hettie said...

This is wonderful Alison. Love those images and I may just have to order them!!
I am tempted to treat myself to a gelli plate at AP - I may just do so now! Tee Hee!
Hugs
xx

Anonymous said...

I know you relate to when I say that cardboard gets me excited and this is why ... transformation of something that is free to us and would normally end up in recycling bin.
Those cute images work so beautifully well against the cardboard. Such an adorable project Alison.
Wishes
Lynne

Ann said...

Absolutely stunning, I adore the baby/angelic images. Amazing & beautiful creation!!!
Ann-R xx

Sue said...

Fabulous piece Alison, though you are right about these being slightly disturbing children. I love your shabby chic folder xx

Neet said...

How long did it take you to make that? It is nothing short of fantastic! Love the babes, but your captions really make the whole thing a delight to view.
Thank you for sharing your talent.
Hugs, Neet xx

Donna-Marie said...

WOWzersss!!!!
Can you hear my jaw hit the floor..I am in awe soooo beautifully creative you really rocked it!!!!!!

Sue from Oregon said...

Thanks for joining our Pop It challenge at Inspiration Emporium!

Wow, what an epic project-turned out lovely with that touch of whimsical babies! Love it!

♥ Sue Kment

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Disturbing...lol! Nah! Not these! They are too cute, and what you've done with them is exceptional! Love this project!

Tracy said...

Wow Alison..another stunning work of art...shabby chic,vintage..looove it all!!
Big hugs
Tracy
xoxo

maria's knutselplezier said...

What a beautifull baby life book, I really like it, it's a great and beautiful present as a birth gift!!!

Greetings
Maria

Niknak said...

Awesome project! Thanks for joining us at Southern Girls Challenges!!

Kim Slade-Fuller said...

wow! this is amazing, just love your work! thanks for joining in the challenge this month on Crafty Emblies Blog. hugs, Kim Crafty Emblies DT Member :)

Kezzy said...

Wow wow wow amazing stunning creation and it sounds like it just fell into place. The babies are gorgeous and quote at the bottom is so true lol. :-) hugs Kezzy xxx

craftimamma said...

Your pieces of art are always so inspirational Alison and this one is no exception. I love the texture of the peeled corrugated card and everything you've added to it. Those baby images are very clever and I love how you matched up the wording to each one. I think I need that Donna Downey set of stamps ;-)!

BTW I always start off thinking I'm short of time so I'll just skip read the writeup and absorb the photos but somehow I get drawn in a read the whole post in detail, lol! I always love the quotes/verse you add to the end of each post too. Thank you for those.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Margaret said...

Oh, Alison! How I wish I could have a glimpse into your mind as you create! This is absolutely amazing! The outside is so prettily distressed but gives no hint to the amazing creativity that resides within!

Ibarra Creations 4U said...

WOW!!!! Your creations are ALWAYS so gorgeous - love them!!!!

Unknown said...

Another stunner! How fab is this? So creative! Thanks for sharing another piece with us in our first challenge at Country View Challenges. Chris xxx

Anonymous said...

Absolutely stunning. Love everything about this. Sorry I saw this when you first published it but this is the first time I have had chance to come and study it in detail and say Hello.
Keep up the great work.
Florence xx

Beccalite said...

What an awesome creation, I simply love it, great project.

Thank you so much for coming over and joining in with out 9th Challenge over at Crafty-Emblies.

Great Big Huge Hugs

Becca xxx (Crafty-Emblies DT Member)