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 12 May 2013

Inspired by... Part III

Hello again... thank you for your indulgence this week!  I hope you enjoyed the hop out of kin of the dollshouse post - something a little different, for a change - and if you haven't yet, I would love it if you had time to check out my debut post as a full-time DT member at The Artistic Stamper.

So, I'm back with the third (and final, you'll be glad to hear) part of my attempt to accept that crafting has simply become as necessary to me as breathing.  I'm trying to understand how it's taken me over by looking at what it is that fires my blood about it all.  So we've come to the prime inspiration...

And the sharper-eyed amongst you will already have spotted that in Parts I and II this name has already cropped up...

No doubt about my chief inspiration - and it's why his recognition this week has really overwhelmed me - and so for my final instalment I'm sharing my take on Tim Holtz's incredible May tag.

As often seems to happen to me, I started out with one, and ended up with two (count yourselves lucky - sometimes it's three or more!)... so let me introduce you to the Dreamer of Dreams and the Collector of Memories.







It was Distress Inks, and Tim's incredible, funky, beautiful stamp ranges that started the whole shebang for me - and the delight I find in simply inking up a stamp and pressing it onto a piece of paper is hard to express.  

As for what happens when you pick up an ink blending tool and start moving water-reactive ink into the picture... what can I say?  It thrills me.

Every time.











In fact, I don't think I've written a blogpost yet where Tim isn't in the Labels, whether as direct and immediate inspiration for a technique or design, or as the designer and creator of the products which have taken over my life.  Thank you, Tim Holtz.  

Oops, that may have come out as sarcastic: I really, really mean it... thank you, Tim Holtz!







There are two tags partly because I was having so much fun with the technique, and partly because as I was making the Dreamer, the Collector started forming in my imagination as a contrast to her.












I don't need to tell you much about the making of these, since you can get it all straight from the horse's mouth right here, but I did have to make a couple of adjustments, including making my own "enamelled" tags, which I will fill you in on.

But I am sharing quite a few pictures because, again, Tim's tag really inspired me, I had the most wonderful time making these, and I love the results.










The rub-ons are really cool to use - lovely memories of playing with transfers as a kid - that magical moment when you peel the paper away and leave the image behind.






They resist the inking fabulously, so that you get really brilliant effects.














I don't have Mona Lisa, so I knew straight away I'd be using the almost as enigmatic woman from the Classics #5 set, and since that lives right next to the Apothecary set in my folder, the skull immediately demanded to be let in on the act too...















Deep ocean blues and greens reflect her unknowable depths, while the skull is in autumnal browns, with even a touch of the metallic Distress Stains in there.














No film strip ribbon, so I stamped the film strip stamp onto acetate and cut it out - love the look of crinkled old film this gives you.  

And I loved the serendipity of being able to fit one of the frames over the eye, looking right back at her!










My favourite bit of rub-on on the skull one is probably the clock... the reminder that time is passing and the end comes to us all... hovering there bisected by the skull.
















I also love that I ended up with the poison label on this side, so I added to that with my stamping.



So, the enamelled tags, then... I don't have any (yet!) so I tried a couple of ways round to create my own.  

I thought it was going really well with the Ranger Enamel Accents, filling little metal cameos from my stash.  I'd got as far as the alcohol ink, and was pretty pleased - but disaster struck when I tried to rub on my rub-ons.  

I'd obviously not left it to dry for long enough: when I pressed down to rub... squidge!








Back to the drawing board...  

In the end, I handcut a couple of ovals, and then embossed them in white.  Lovely firm surface - phew!
















I added some alcohol ink, and then my selected words and images from the rub-ons... She's clearly a Dreamer of Dreams, and he became the Collector of Memories, with another part of a clock face, and lots of file numbers for where he stores all the memories.












I edged them with black Archival ink to mimic the beautiful ones from the Idea-ology range.

Finally, to give them a bit more dimension, I added a coat of Glossy Accents and laid them aside carefully to set.









Each tag has its own Word Band, carefully selected... 






I did make some effort to dent the fasteners using an old pair of scissors... texture hammer here I come.







And, of course, the toppings, dyed crinkle ribbon tied with paper string which I've curled, just for fun!



Thank you, Tim, for another amazing piece of inspiration - I think this has been one of my favourite makes ever - and for being the root and source of such a joyous new life journey.


I'd like to enter these in the following:
As my May tag(s) in Tim Holtz's 12 tags of 2013
A third and final piece of working out what I'm Inspired by... at Simon Says Stamp and Show

To die, to sleep;
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause...
From Hamlet, by William Shakespeare
Dreams and death (and the other prime inspiration in my life, W.S.)... sorry, I just had to!!

68 comments:

Brenda Brown said...

These are amazing Alison and wonderful reflections of Tim's tags. You have created fabulous outcomes using creative techniques and ideas.
hugs {Brenda} x0x

Neil said...

Hi there, these are both amazing but I have to say the skull wins for me today! Awesome.

daisy said...

Just stunning Alison ... I think I like them both more than Tim's, but don't tell him.

Inkypinkycraft said...

Beautiful tags! They look great hugs trace x

Yvonne Garner said...

Oh Alison! I just love your posts! You are able to articulate so well what probably many of us feel but cannot eloquently relay about the joy of creating art. Your tags are exquisite. I just ordered the Classics yesterday after seeing you use them awhile back in a project. Thank you for sharing. Hugs, Yvonne

Shirley said...

Hi Alison what a fabulous inspirational set of tags each one is so unique and colourful. Lots to see and admire, love them.

Hugs Shirley x x

Debi said...

love one technique 2 very different but cool tags :-) hard to chose a fav, debi x

Ephemera said...

Exquisite stamping, they are both so beautiful, and you're so right crafting becomes a fundamental part of many of us. Have a lovely day. xx

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

...gosh Alison where does one start, this amazing posting is loaded with techniques, inspiration & awesome-ness! and a riot of colour that commands your attention, your skills are ever growing and a joy to see...Melxx :)

chrissie said...

Terrific post right to then end with the quote from Hamlet.

The tags are both amazing and such contrasts you have created.

Have a great day

Love Chrissie xx

Amanda said...

I have enjoyed your 'inspired by' journey this week, but what a finale! Absolutely love these tags. I think Tim has had great influence on us all both artistically and financially, lol.
Love
Amanda x

Anonymous said...

Alison not only is your work amazing but the way you write your posts captures the imagination totally ! I love both of these tags and the detail and technniques you've included are stunning! Sue C x

Helen said...

Fabulous photos, beautiful tags. I loved playing at this tag, I finally got a chance to enter a Tim Tag this month! That skull is fantastic...

Tincan Crafter said...

Loving the skull one. You have done an amazing job.

craftytrog said...

Both tags are fabulous alison, such amazing attention to detail! x

Fliss said...

OMG Alison! What amazing tags! Really stunning in colour and an incredible amount of detail. Love them!
Hugs, Fliss xx

Sophie said...

Wow! Alison, was für ein Prachtstück.
Gigantisch schön.

Liebe Grüße von Sophie xx

Astrid Maclean said...

Wow Alison these are both amazing and your joy in creating them shines right through! Impossible to decide which one I like more.... but if I am really honest, I like them way better than Tim's original....

Jenny Marples said...

A superb pair of tags Alison. Love how you've improvised for the elements you don't have and both colour variations work equally well. Hugs, Jenny x

sam21ski said...

Perfect, love the white teeth on the skull, very striking

Sam xxx

Paper Profusion said...

Masterful (Mistressful?) tags Alison! Could explore them for ages - both are superb!

Have you considered doing video how-to(s)? I would love to see you in action creating these. Given your paired talents of artistry and communications you would be a marvel - people would subscribe you know!!

Bravo Alison and good luck with SSS&S. Nicola x

Dianne said...

Well sweet Butterfly I believe you were born to do this....
I can relate to that feeling I get it too when I'm inking stamping creating, it's a wonderful feeling:):). The two tags a brilliant, I can't find any new words to describe you artwork Alison, I always get the Synonym or thesaurus up, but I have run out of words, just know they are fabulous pieces of art, and thanks for sharing it all with us, I for one love your long and picture heavy post, they make my day. Hope you r having a wonderful day..

Asia King (aka Joanna K) said...

Awesome tags Alison and there's no doubt that the Duke of Distress is a big inspiration behind your art! xxx

Martina said...

They are both spectacular, Alison! I'm glad I came by to see your work today!

Sarah said...

In a word...spectacular!

May said...

WOW, These are Fabulous Alison... The attention to detail is amazing...I agree with Nicola.. your video's would be Brilliant..Love the white teeth on the skull... the backgrounds are breathtaking... Hugs May x x x

Dorthe said...

Alison, you are amazing in mixing colours..look at those backgrounds, they just LIVING there own life!! and all the adds of beautiful stamps, and the rub-ons- wonderful tags!!
xo, Dorthe

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

Both tags are top, Alison, but in this case, I must confess that I'm in love with the green tag...I'm not the skull type, but love your skills on both tags...amazing artwork!

kind regards, Alie :-)

Janny Jager said...

WAUWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW Alison what a great and beautiful tags .
Very nice details and colors.
Greetings Janny

Redanne said...

It is always a pleasure to read through your posts Alison, this one is a real treat for those of us inspired by Tim. Love both tags, great face on the first and love the skull on the second - love his dentistry too. Hugs, Anne x

Chrissy said...

Fantastic Alison..beautiful work, must admit I love the green one, so beautiful...two incredible tags..

Luv CHRISSYxx

House of Bears said...

Fab artwork as per usual. We love TH too and love what you do with his products. We have that face stamp and want to get it out and play now.

Sue said...

These are both wonderful Alison, fabulous colours and such a well thought out choice of stamps. I'm glad I don't have to pick a favourite xx

catherine said...

Great tags Alison. Both have super imagery and colours
x catherine

Kezzy said...

These are absolutely amazing Alison, the depth you achieve with your layers is awesome. I have completely enjoyed all of your Inspired by, I'm afraid I have been so busy with accounting season (thank goodness it finishes the end of May I'm knicker knackered lol) that I have read them through email. I have now finished all my mummy/partner duties that I have some time to comment so I'm on mega catch up :-). Happy Crafting, hugs kezzy xxx

Bonnie Irvine said...

I'm glad I don't have to decide which tag I like best. Both colour palettes are so rich and full of depth and the resulting tags are completely different in the feelings they evoke. They are truly inspired and inspiring, Alison. Thank you.

Unknown said...

These tags are awesome Alison. I'm in love with both designs. :) Hugs

Suzanne C said...

Fantastic and brilliant all together! I love the colors and designs! Beautiful take on Tim's tag! Glad you joined us this week at Simon Says Stamp and Show.

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GORGEOUS!!!!! I love both tag!!!! Most excellent takes, one feminine, and one wicked!!!! I exhibit both of those qualities! Lol! You rock! Thank you for sharing your inspiration with us this week here at Simon Says Stamp and Show!

Candy C said...

Alison...what can I say? These tags are simply amazing! Well, not simply...you have so much detail and technique on each one! I love everything about both of them. You've used so many of Tim's products to create really really...I mean REALLY cool tags! Wow...you are crazy talented! Thank you so much for always being so sweet to share your projects and the "how tos" with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy

Nan G said...

I believe you have out done the master himself butterfly, with your fantabulous tags! The coloring on each is simply delish. Love love the dreamer image, classics #5. She's on the top of my wish list. Have a wonderful week! Hugs

sally said...

Wow! These tags are just fabulous - I love that you've used the skull one to such great effect. I think this months tag is my favourite so far too though my efforts pale into insignificance beside yours.

Saly

Anonymous said...

Ooh, the skull is brilliant, those teeth rock lol.

Claudia N. said...

Stunning makes, Alison.

Love them both! And your colour choice is definitely brilliant!

Hugs,
Claudia x

Hettie said...

These are stunning Alison. The colours, the stampings everything is wonderful.
Do get a texture hammer....very satisfying at times!!
Hugs
xx

Ana K. said...

Alison I love your tags even more than Tim`s - colours are more me and details are amazing.. I love how you made film strip....Hugs

Ana K. said...

Alison I love your tags even more than Tim`s - colours are more me and details are amazing.. I love how you made film strip....Hugs

Candy C said...

Alison...thank you so much for the very lovely comments that you left on my blog this morning. I love knowing that you stopped by my blog. :) I am such a fan of your art! I can't wait to see what you come up with for this newest challenge at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy

Anna-Karin said...

Fabulous tags Alison! Love both of them. Great colours and details as always. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show!

Jennie Atkinson said...

How I have missed your posts while I was away! These tags are just amazing - in fact amazing, stunning etc seem somewhat bland to describe your work. In all honesty I think you have created something better than the master himself and your thinking outside the box to make individual items is just inspirational! Keep them coming .............. xxx

Andrews Stamping Pad said...

Wow what fantastic Tags Alison ! Great colours .
Andy xxxx

May said...

Hi Alison, sorry about the link to eclectic paperie.. I put it in again, could you kindly remove the one linked to blog... sorry again... Thank you for your kind comment on the fob watch... Hugs May x x x

Heather said...

Both amazing creations Alison, your design and inking is beautiful and I love your wonderful details.
It I was trying (unsuccessfully!!) to create some thing similar it would have taken me probably at least a week - or more!!!

hugs
Heather xx

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wow,these are smashing tags, just fantastic.

cathylynn said...

Both tags are totally awesome. Gosh I love the coloring and your choice of stamps are great. Another fabulous job!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Kate Yetter said...

hese are AWESOME!!! I absolutly love your tags. The backgrounds are amazing.
Kate

Alexa said...

Wonderful tags Alison - both really cleverly put together both in colour and in all the elements. They both look amazing! x

Unknown said...

Oh wow!! These are so beautifully eclectic. So much on them but there is NO feeling of crowding. Fabulous and, as ever, so inspiring, they're both stunning. Chris xxx

Gio said...

These are both gorgeous Alison. In your artwork you can always feel your passion for what you're making. The green one is my fave, but I love the background of the second one.

Thanks for your kind words, hope to see at the Extravaganza, please just stop and say hello!

Terry said...

Wow, Alison! Both of these Tim inspired tags are incredible! Love them both! I don't have any of Tim's rub-ons, so can't play until I do! Sorry I have not been around, but last week was a crazy fun busy one! Hugs!

Shelby said...

Both of these are just awesome and I think I could stare at them for hours and find something unique and inspirational. Love all of the layering and all of the different components you've used.

Shelby

Ozawa said...

Wow! Beide sind superschön! Man hat so viel zu gucken...!

toni said...

A fabulous pair of tags Alison i get your points about crafting and tim being an inspiration. Sometimes my head is just buzzing and my fingers itching to get started. Its such a shame that the day job keeps getting in the way !!! Glad to hear you got back safe a d sound x

Marjie Kemper said...

Oh Alison... these are fantastique!!! Love all your improv. And now you've really spoiled my day because in addition to *needing* to pull out my journal after your AS post I now also feel the need to make tags... so much for all the paperwork that was calling. Hugs!

Annie said...

Spectacular is what I would call these makes Alison. Amazing colours and detailed images.

TFS

Annie xx

Keren Tamir said...

2 more amazing tags!! you are a genius at these!

Anonymous said...

Love both of these. Your monochromatic colors are great! Love the stamps you chose. Beautiful!

Wee Von said...

Alison, just caught up to this post! (Been catching up backwards) I get so caught up in your artistry, both in art and your words! Thank you for sharing all your work, I love all the thought and beauty you put into each work of art!