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...

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Under the boardwalk...


Hello all, and welcome to Words and Pictures on a busy and exciting day - there's so much going on over at Artistic Outpost!  Today sees the release of a brand new stamp set - and it's fabulous... like summer on a stamp plate!  

Here's a little taster of just some of what I've been up to with it... I've got several pieces to share with you and I'll spread them out over the next few days and weeks, but I thought I'd give you a quick glimpse of them all to whet your appetites.

So, without more ado, I give you: Boardwalk...


And if you hop round the rest of the team, you'll find so many amazingly inspirational makes.  Here's the list:


Here's what designer Robyn Phelan Sharp has to say about the new stamps:
For the love of the Jersey Shore and Atlantic City's historic boardwalk, this stamp collection features a lovely ATC sized collage featuring Steel Pier, bathing beauties, a handsome gentleman, and other summertime elements. 

Collection available in both unmounted sheets of red rubber or precut and mounted on EZMount clingfoam.



And to celebrate the (hoped-for) approach of summer, there's an amazing special offer on AO stamps at the moment: a Memorial Day sale with 15% off all Artistic Outpost stamp sets until June 8th - temptation, or what?!






So, I had to decide which project to share with you to start with, and I decided to go with one of my recent obsessions...



With the number of tiny floors I've been making recently, it was obvious to me from the get-go that I would have to make a "boardwalk"!



So I grabbed a fistful of coffee stirrers from the Costa Coffee on the boat on the way home, and here they are transformed into a weatherbeaten boardwalk in Atlantic City!











The Alterations cabinet card dies sliced through my cream mountboard with no problem at all, and I dabbed the resulting frame and background into some Salty Ocean, Tumbled Glass and Broken China inks daubed onto my craft mat.

There's Frayed Burlap around the edges to add a touch of vintage ageing to the overall look.






The gorgeous background image of the Steel Pier building has also had a little shading with Frayed Burlap Distress Stain, just to deepen the brickwork.  

And I surrounded it with random stampings of some of the seashells.







The coffee stirrers were painted with Broken China and Picket Fence Distress Paints mixed in varying proportions to get variegated "wear and tear" across my boards.




I didn't want too neat a finish along the edge, so I cut them to varying lengths, but always with the same angle to the cut, so that they would line up nicely against the back board.















I stamped the word Boardwalk beneath my boardwalk - just in case it wasn't obvious! 












And the line from the song got pride of place at the top of the frame.  

By the way, it's pretty inevitable that you will be singing the song the entire time you're working with these stamps... just as well it's brilliant!




I coloured the two New Jersey badges with Distress Markers before UTEEing them.  

While the UTEE was still slightly warm I brushed some Pewter Distress Stain over them to try to get a bit of a look of a vintage tintype button.






I stamped a couple of Pier tickets and attached them with one of the adorable Idea-ology paper clips.




The 3D seashell embellishments were a fantastically lucky addition to my stash recently... 












I won a giveaway of "doodads" from the amazing mixed-media artist Cat Kerr (she has another Giveaway right now, but only until 24th May, so hurry!), and these seashells were amongst the doodads that arrived - how fortuitous is that?!  

They couldn't have been more perfect for this new release - and they match the seashell stamps brilliantly!



I pressed the seashell stamps into service again to decorate my padded supports between the frames.  

As I've done before, I used the sponges which come in the packet when you buy Texture Fade embossing folders.









I sliced them to size and then stamped the shells in Cobalt Archival, so that even if you do catch sight of them within the three-dimensional frame, you've still got something nice to look at!


So that's my first encounter with the Boardwalk stamps.  You'll find lots of amazing work from my amazing team-mates on your way round.  

If you get lost, you can find all the details here at Artistic Outpost.  And don't forget that fantastic 15% off offer... until June 8th!  

For now, thank you so much for stopping by today... I hope the summer is finally starting for you (if you're in the correct hemisphere for that of course!), and happy crafting whether it has or hasn't turned up!



Oh, when the sun beats down and burns the tar up on the roof
And your shoes get so hot, you wish your tired feet were fireproof
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea
On a blanket with my baby is where I'll be
Under the Boardwalk by Kenny Young and Arthur Resnick


74 comments:

Helen said...

What a fantastic boardwalk display!! So many fabulous touches, and things to look at. I want the sun - and I want it now!!

Astrid Maclean said...

Oh what a fabulous 3D make! So many interesting and imaginative things to look at! Love the boardwalk flooring (glad to hear other people also walk off with things from coffee shops, pubs - think beer mats- etc). Love the vintage look button thingees with the Utee etc. etc. Fantastic use of these fabulous stamps!! Oh and I had not thought of that song for ages, so I listened while reading your post, great fun!

Gaby Bee said...

The new boardwalk plate is just wonderful. You've captured the feeling of a summer day in Atlantic City beautifully with your creations!
Right now here in Germany it's all gray and rainy all the time. So this post lifts up my spirits!

I'm now following you so I can see any future posts and I have a link to you on my blog. I hope you don't mind.

Have a great day!
Gaby xo

Jenny Marples said...

Sorely tempted to get these now! Love what you have created (where do you manufacture extra time please?!!) especially this staged scene. It has a touch of dollshouse magic about it, especially the coffee stirrer slats and the stamped sponge dividers. Hugs, Jenny x

Amanda said...

Fabulous make Alison, you have done fab things with these stamps.
Love
Amanda x

Chrissy said...

Fantastic Alison..wonderful 3D boardwalk collection..the colours and designs are just fabulous.

Luv CHRISSYxx

Tincan Crafter said...

Love how you created the boardwalk - putting them at an angle adds to the effect.

Deborah said...

Oh this glorious, Alison! And so much attention to detail. Love it!

Mrs.B said...

What a fabulous 3D project (and so neatly joined)
Love all the details included here and such beautiful colours.
A truly wonderful make.
Avril xx

Cestina said...

The hospital visit produced more coffee stirrers yesterday - maybe a whole jetty next?

This is a lovely piece, I am admiring the real life version e'en as I write x

viennaville said...

Simply georgeous! What a brilliant idea. Well done indeed :-)

Bonnie Irvine said...

What a lovely little vacation spot you have given us today! I was definitely transported to the Boardwalk and must say I enjoyed the sights. This is awesome, Alison. The boardwalk itself is charming and you've made wonderful use of these stamps. Love how you aged the badges. The 3D effect is quite amazing. ~ sigh~ back to the real world now :)

craftytrog said...

This is amazing Alison, so creative! xx

Elly said...

Oh..oh..i have a catchy tune going round my head now (:o)Your creation is amazing and sends me back to my childhood with all that *Grease* fever. Since then, i'm addicted with all the music and fashion from the 60's back to 20's. Now i'm addicted to tiny floors, too. Thank's for sharing your unbelievable imagination with us. (:o)

Robyn Phelan Sharp said...

so dreamy and creative...just beautiful. xoxoxo

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Fabulous piece Alison, I love the dimension you have created with the vintage cabinet die. Perfect colours and your flooring is inspired, I love it. You have created so much movement and life to these stamps. Wonderful. Tracy x

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

Un-flippin'-believable!!! You actually created a boardwalk!! All of these are just jaw-dropping brilliant, Alison. As usual, your work takes my breath away!

Hugs,
Linda

Hettie said...

Incredible Alison! Just incredible!
Just love these stamps and what you have done with them.
I had to giggle at your acquiring of coffee stirrers! I do that all the time!
Well done you. Now bring on the summer I say!
Hugs
xx

My Studio Voice said...

I realize there shouldn't be favorites, but I think your project with these incredible stamps is over the moon. So clever! Every detail thought of an executed. Really nice.

Lisa Somerville said...

Stunning use of the Boardwalk stamps Alison! Love the scene you created, and the addition of the boardwalk out of coffee stirrers is so clever!

Terry said...

Alison, you took the "boardwalk" literally! All of these projects are sheer perfection! The project you shared is amazing! Love the cabinet framing of the ATC image and that boardwalk platform - brilliance! Enjoy the day!

Kate Yetter said...

Oh my goodness! Everything is in blue...i love it! Such a lovely frame with fabulous little sea themed accents. The dimentional frame makes it pop. Gorgeous!
Kate

Anonymous said...

Absolut genial mal wieder! Wie kommst du nur immer auf solche Ideen?
Ich bin total fasziniert. Da gibt es so viel zu entdecken... Wahnsinn!!

Lg siljan

froebelsternchen said...

just AMAZING dear Alison! WOW!

Netty said...

wow your constructions are wonderful Alison, no wonder you are such an asset to your mother. Terrific work, in fact, totally stunning. Annette x

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Utterly amazing this boardwalk is! I LOVE it!!! The 3D positioning is just brilliant...love the spongy material use...I save mine too, but have never used them like this! You are too clever! These new images are wonderful! Great DT work!

Martina said...

Oh my goodness! Alison, your creation is just wonderful! I love this project...so beautifully created! Love all of the new stamps you've used and how you've really used them to their full potential with your designs. Beautifully done (as always)!

Paper Profusion said...

Dear Alison! You never fail to delight! This is brilliantly creative and utterly gorgeous. Top notch inking and stamping as always. Serious kudos for creating this stunningly evocative little streetscape with such inventive little touches. I LOVE it!

Can't stop singing now and have a major impulse to book a flight to the sun!

Nicola x

Kjersti said...

Gorgeous Alison, so many beautiful details!
Have a nice week!
Hugs Kjersti:)

May said...

O my word... I'm speechless..AmAzing work Alison, Your attention to detail is outstanding...Love it all...As I live by the seaside I will have just have to buy this set now!.... Hugs May x x x

Dorthe said...

OH my, you really are making fantastic things Alison!
What a lovely little adventure you have here, filled with stories and the smell of the sea!
The stamps are wonderful, and LOVE all is blue - also now have that song in my head :-)
Thankyou for another beautiful and inspirering post!
xo,Dorthe

Janny Jager said...

WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW Alison this is amazing.
What a beautiful piece of art with so many great details.
Greetings Janny

Jennie Atkinson said...

Just amazing Alison! Your projects are just so stunning ...........

I love everything little bit of the project, but the little planks from the coffee stirrers made me smile!

Jennie x

Carol Q said...

my god Alison your creativity has gone into overdrive. stunning projects and the 3d cabinet card layour is beyond words - lol - fabulous work.

Redanne said...

This is a jaw dropping project Alison, it is absolutely fantastic, so much detail, so gorgeous. You are one very talented lady..... I love this and it has brightened up a very dull day - love that you keep coffee stirrers too! Hugs, Anne x

Suzanne C said...

Gorgeous set of boardwalk projects! Your boardwalk inspired from coffee sticks is just brilliant! Love the depth to your projects and the beautiful shades of blue!

pearshapedcrafting said...

Love what you've done with those coffee stirrers! A brilliant project and look forward to seeing more of those stamps! Chrisx

Gerrie Johnnic said...

Architectural elements 101, and you get an A+++! What a fantastic piece....love that boardwalk.

Cinderella Moments said...

Another gorgeous one! It is incredible!
hugs♥,
Caroline

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, you are so clever and creative!! This is the cutest little thing I have ever seen!!!

Sandy said...

Hey Sugar - you know I love following you! Sometimes I do not have the time to read every jot and tittle but I know where I can find you. Now you have me singing " Under the Boardwalk - Boardwalk - Down by the Sea - Under the Boardwalk!
Yep - I'm a singing that song.
Sandy

barbarayaya62 said...

I am captivated by your project! It's absolutely fabulous! I love you very much all shades ranging from blue to green, but this is really special! BArbarayaya

Nan G said...

Oh Alison, this is an amazingly beautiful piece! So very reminiscint of The Boardwalk.

Annie said...

Wow Alison ! I am blown away by this fabulous project. I love the design,stamps and colours. Truly wonderful. Annie x

Sandie said...

What a work of art, and obvious love put into this is amazing. I love your work Alison....

Claudia N. said...

I always wondered what to use these packaging sponges that come with the texture fade embossing folders for, Alison....:)

A brilliant idea! And I LOVE your boardwalk! You really did this lovely new stamping plate a lot of honour displaying it through your gorgeous projects! Love them all!

Hugs,
Claudia x

Almo said...

Hi Alison, well I don't know where to start with this project, it is stunning, I can't stop looking at it. Love the idea of the coffee stirrer boardwalk, and the stamped packaging spacers. Love the stamp set as well, I think I can feel some more retail therepy coming on. Hugs Mo x #60

Sophie said...

Mein Gott, Alison, mir fehlen die Worte.
Was für fantastische Werke.
Das ist atemberaubend schön, mehr fällt mir nicht ein :-)

Herzliche Grüße
Sophie xx

Neet said...

What fantastic projects - love the blue (bathroom i always think I want a bathroom to put seaside things in) you have used. Great pictures of this first project, clever ideas and I love the coffee sticks.
Another of your wonderful artworks.
Hugs, Neet xx

Desire Fourie said...

Oh wow these are gorgeous vintage beach creations. Love the planks symbolising a boardwalk.
Hugs
Desíre
{Doing Life – my personal blog}

toni said...

Love it! And looking forward to seeing the other projects which look equally stunning. Love those stamps, perfect with the colours you've used

Cat Kerr said...

Wow!! Love what you created here...can you send me some of that creative mojo...heehee...The planks are soooo cool!!Your work is AMAZING!! xoxo

Inkypinkycraft said...

Another wonderful make x

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

You're so extremely good in creating Alison!!! What a gorgeous results with the new stamps!
Big compliment...

kind regards, Alie :-)

cathylynn said...

Alison your attention to detail is truly amazing! I love this boardwalk! Your colors are so soothing and beautiful as the ocean. Great stamps too! This is another phenomenal creation by you!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Cathy L. Calamas said...

I think that has to be our state song here in SC!! I grew up singing and dancing to it!! WOnderful boardwalk and fabulous stamp set. Your coffee stirrers are tooooo clever and perfect! Going over to peruse those stamps now.

Lucy Edmondson said...

Wonderful! Yes, you have certainly whet my appetite. And you and that naughty Terry are going to be doing your best to get me to buy this plate, I can see!

Lucy x

Dianne said...

56 Lovely and well deserved comments, I did go on the blog hop this morning before swimming and I was so excited, inspired, they really blew me away, uts was a magical journey. I saved your post till after, I like to have a cup of tea and have a GOOD look and read here:).Oh boy I'm glad I did, this piece of 3D art, it rocked my world:O)..
The color is all sunshine and seashore, photoing in the sunshine BRILLIANT, it looks like a little miniature boardwalk,I think it belongs in the Museum, you know that Maximillion one :):):). I could go on for a very long time telling you all about the things that moved me, I just say your work rocks my world. Thanks for that, have a wonderful day, I'm off to my desk, very inspired bu all this creativity big hugs..

Silvia(Barnie) said...

How fabulous is this ?! Such an outstanding project.

Keren Tamir said...

Wow it looks fantastic. Love the project. TFS

Sue said...

Wow Alison, you've made an amazing piece here, so much to see. I can't wait for this and the Paperboy set to hit the UK xx

Marjie Kemper said...

Oh my goodness! You can now add "Flooring Expert" to your resume as your boardwalk is stunning (and your hardwood floors in the dollhouse blew me away last week!)

These projects are just amazing, Alison. The little cabana is so sweet and the whole set just makes me want to head to the beach. Gorgeous!

Kezzy said...

Wow wow wow wow and lots more wows an absolutely amazing awesome gorgeous creation. I love the broadwalk and did find me singing that 'song' lol. I have just bought the cabinet die so can't wait to use it. Happy Crafting :-) hugs Kezzy xxx

http://blog.timetocreate.com.au/ said...

The colours you have used are so evocative and gentle Alison I love your project. Such incredible attention to detail too!

2amscrapper said...

so ambitious and absolutely fantastic! the boardwalk is genius!

Ana K. said...

Breath taking creation…I love everything on it..every detail is so special...just super!

Sarah said...

I have a definite weakness when it comes to all things beach related. I am in love with this project and can't wait to see the others.

Unknown said...

Oh wow! Those creative ideas of yours just keep on coming! What a stunning collection Alison, absolutely beautiful. Chris xxx

Bärbel said...

Das sind fabelhafte Projekte, liebe Alison, sie begeistern mich so wie auch die schönen Stempel!
Liebe Grüße, Bärbel

Heather said...

Just simply stunning Alison, so many awesome details that blow me away. Your boardwalk is brilliant - your really are so inventive!!!

hugs
Heather xx

Kasia said...

What a fabulous creations! I'am so impressed with this boardwalk :) Amazing!

Firenze said...

WOW - gobsmacked does not describe it! What an incredible set of projects. TFS these wonderful pieces
Helen -- Firenze Cards

Unknown said...

WOW, what an amazing project! So much creativity in one project and so many details to look at. I love your boardwalk and I really need to pay one of those coffee shops in town a visit soon...I've visited Atlantic City, but your version I must say I like better than the real thing! Oh, and those pier tickets...gorgeous!

Sandy xx

Nicecrane Designs said...

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT,,,,,I love the way you aply these stamps,,,,,as a vintage style Alison,,,and the original way yo get these stamps is posterizing them from the original photos,,,,you did again,,,,,I´ll try get my own digis on this style,,,,,,love it.