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 27 October 2013

Live in the moment...




Hello all!  Well, we've got a lovely interval of sunshine in between the tempestuous winds so I dashed outside to grab some photos of my first make in my new craft space.  

Guess what?  It's a tag.  

Oh... and anyone who was concerned that I ought to bring some ivy with me from the old house, you can relax, as you can see!

I've got a heavy (but probably very enjoyable) work week coming up, so I haven't been able to get my head round any complicated crafty projects (though there are several brewing in the darker recesses of my mind!), but I had to break in the new room, and here's what arrived.

I also promised you some pictures of the glass cabinet - still empty when I showed you the room - doing its proper job of displaying something, so if you scroll down you'll find a few pictures of that too...







This tag started with a background of Distress Paints - Salty Ocean, Picket Fence and a touch of Broken China - sponged on using a natural sponge.  I think it gives a lovely fluffy cloud sky effect.

The sentiment is definitely one to live by, I think.












I added multiple stampings of some of the Tim Holtz meadow flowers, from the small size sets, stamping in Sepia and Coffee Archival inks.












I added some tiny heads of blossom around the place using the Inkssentials white gel pen.














Around the bottom of the tag I used Potting Soil to stamp the little texture stamp to give a real sense of the earthy undergrowth.













I used the same texture stamp, stamping in Broken China, around the edges of the sky for a bit more depth.














The birds were stamped in Black Archival, and then the white pen went into action again to add some feathery detailing - the only thing I'm in two minds about here - I loved them in plain black too.












I added a tiny shadow of Vintage Photo for definition, and then some distressing with the paper distresser around the edges.












A natural topping of raffia and very fine twine, and we're done.








So, on to the display case...






I actually feel a bit uncomfortable having my stuff out on display for some reason (though I can see it's a pity to have it huddled on shelves and in boxes as it has been)... 

... but the rest of my family all love how it looks in the glass cabinet, so I've yielded... 

... and probably reluctantly accept their verdict! 






















Besides, it was interesting to see what made the cut as far as I was concerned (there's still a fair amount in boxes!)...
















... and it's also really nice to have a visible record of previous work to remind me of ideas and techniques I'd already forgotten about!














Sorry about the reflections in the glass.















I also took a few with the doors open so that you can see what's in there better.













(Remember you can click on the pictures for close-ups if you're curious.)







Not much doubt about my favourite colour palettes...

















Or my tendency to work in threes!













It'll be a quietish week here at Words and Pictures as I'm going to be hurtling up and down to London delivering workshops for my "day job", but I'm planning to fit some blog-visiting around the edges so I hope to see you soon.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a lovely Sunday!  

I'm off to enjoy some more moments...

Forever is composed of nows.
Emily Dickinson

You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.
Henry David Thoreau

“What day is it?"
It's today," squeaked Piglet.
My favourite day," said Pooh.”
A.A. Milne


62 comments:

Helen said...

So glad you've displayed all your fabulous projects, because they are definitely too good to hide away! Thanks for sharing them with us too. I love your new tag, too.
Have a good week.

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Fabulous tag Alison, love the meadow like stamping and the aged feel. But your display cabinet steals the show. What an amazing cabinet and wonderful way to dispay your gorgeous work. Love love your time pece below too, the crackle is fantastic and the aged rustic feel is fantastic. Tracy x

Rita said...

Wonderful tag Alison. I really enjoyed seeing all your beautiful work displayed in such a magnificent cabinet. Love and Hugs Rita xxx

Amanda said...

Your display is stunning I think it's great to have all your makes on display, a fabulous record of your crafty journey.
Love your tag another great addition to your collection.
Love
Amanda x

Claudia N. said...

A lovely tag, Alison,

and displaying one's work in the glass cabinet is also a source of inspiration to come back to rather than showing off (if that's what you are afraid of) - at least that is how I see it. I have my tags pinned to a board and sometimes I am sorry that I don't have more space to showcase my projects... (too many shelves with too much stuff and too many books I am afraid *lol).

Have a successful week!

Claudia xx

sam21ski said...

Love your tag, love your display cabinet, now let's see your craft room!!!

Deborah said...

You should show your work off, Alison - it's amazing - and that beautiful cabinet really does it justice.

brenda said...

Continuing in c&p mode until my hands and fingers are better and I can type properly again, but have to still visit everyone to see what they are up to and say hello.

B x

Sandy said...

Great tag Alison - when I first saw it I thought it was a piece of ceramic. It looks like it has some weight and a curvature to it.
I love your cabinet full of your makes. It looks smashing Sugar!!!!
Sandy

Meggymay said...

A beautiful tag. The glass cabinet is a wonderful way to display your art.
Yvonne

Yvonne Garner said...

Love the tag and the words used! Thank you for sharing with us your beautiful glass encased collection. So glad these treasures are properly displayed and not laying in a box or shelf! Enjoy the week. Hugs, Yvonne

Anonymous said...

The tag is so pretty and a sentiment we should all take note of.
As for your cabinet, bravo to you Alison for having your creations on display. A lovely way for you to view your older projects against newer ones and to possibly note ideas and techniques from previous creations. Mine are literally shoved into boxes and stored in the attic where obviously I pay little regard to them.
Maybe I should view your cabinet as a lesson to myself.
As always, a wonderful post. Hope you are having a creative Sunday.
Wishes
Lynne

Elly said...

Just WOW!! I was just thinking, how many displays i would need....if i wasn't diplaying only the creations from friends (:o)Love your style, espacially your work in three and your colour scheme.(:o)

Lucy Edmondson said...

Lovely tag, Alison, but Oooh that display case is so amazing! I think we would all like one. I will have to show Col and you know he made me take all my stuff down!!

Lucy x

Martina said...

No, I have not forgotten you and your wonderful works of art, dear Alison. I had a few problems with the heating installation of my house. Great new works you've done in the meantime. I am (as always) very impressed! I hope that I once again have more time to visit my favorite blogs. Have a nice Sunday, my friend!

Clare Lloyd said...

Beautiful tag and you glass cabinet with all your art work looks ace!

Chrissy said...

Fabulous tag Alison..love the birds and fabulous sky and suc ha lovely sentiment.
Your cabinet looks wonderful displaying all that beauty..I have some of my creations floating about the house..lol..

luv CHRISSYxx

chrissie said...

Love the tag Alison and also all the treasures in their very handsome housing.

Enjoy your day job if you can get there. The forecast sounds so awful we may all have to stay in to stay safe

Love Chrissie xx

maj. said...

Totally stunning tag, such an amazing beautiful colours!!!

Dorthe said...

I love your beautiful tag, with the precious words, for all to remember,- and oh all your amazing art pieces in your cabinet, Alison,- they are beautiful, and it must be lovely to have a view now and then and remember when and why and how :-)
Hugs, Dorthe

Almo said...

Nicetag Alison I love the birds. Your cabinet is amazing, I am facinated looking at all your works of art on show like they should be they are far to nice to be stuck in a box out of view. Hugs Mo x

Jennie Atkinson said...

Fabulous tag Alison and I love that combination of colours! Lovely also to see your wonderful glass cabinet and your fabulous work on display. Have a good week and I hope you get some crafting time x

Astrid Maclean said...

Great to see you creating just for fun and crafty enjoyment!! Your tag is lovely and so very you! The glass cabinet looks totally wonderful and I absolutely agree with your family! I am deeply jealous,(lol) - how totally wonderful to have a cabinet like that to display your things, I am sure it will give you inspiration and it looks fantastic!

Hettie said...

Gorgeous tag Alison. That sentiment is my favourite sentiment stamp I have too!
Glad you have used that display cabinet for its intended purpose!
Hugs
xx

Debi said...

Alison, sorry I've not commented for a while, I've popped by but not left words :-)
love that you've filled the cabinet, jam packed with prettiness, love it.
todays tag is another beauty <3
Debi x

barbarayaya62 said...

Tag wonderful! I understand the chaos that is created around a move on! And 'terrifying and I remember that I needed a long time to recover and eliminate the boxes! Keep Calm and Carry On and do not worry about your friends on web! We are always here! The display case is absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BArbarayaya

Anke said...

WOW WOW WOW your tag is so beautiful, I love the stamps and the colours.

And your glass cabinet is amazing.

Hugs
Anke

Chris said...

Hi Alison! I love your tag and the background with the sponging is gorgeous. What a great idea to display all your beautiful work in such a gorgeous cabinetry looks brilliant all together.

I saw your comment about the Craft Barn class and I'm so looking forward to meeting you, very excited, see you soon and hope you have a good work week. Chris x

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous tag, I love the white detailing on the birds.
Your makes look wonderful in that beautiful cabinet - of course you should have them out on display! Mine are all in boxes, but one day I will have something to display them on/in. Have a great week.

Dianne said...

EEKKKS, this is your best post, first I looooove the tag,I go around telling everyone, To live in the moment,they think I'm crazy,LOL and here it is, fantastic, love the grasses you stamped, then the lovely flying birds, in the beautiful blue sky.It is a way to live your life and I wish you all the wonderful moments in your new room.. Your much to humble, that case is the perfect place to display all your OUTSTANDING work...I'm going to have a better look around the cabinet, thank you so much for sharing it, a a special thank you for guiding your Mom to my blog I was honored, I'm a big fun of her work too.. Hope you have a wonderful creative week, ((( BIG HUGS )))...

Netty said...

beautiful tag, especially love the sky. Wow the cabinet looks fab Alison, filled with your favourite items. Have a great week, Annette x

cathylynn said...

Alison you created an awesome tag and your glass cabinet is full of magic. So much talent and beauty all in one place. Happy to see you are getting settled in.
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Cocofolies said...

WOW WOW Speechless again Alison, How FABULOUSSSSSSSSS is your display case and all your works, so beautiful... Drooling for any crafter, even the best ones ! Regarding your tag, another beautiful one, love the depth you have given to the whole... and how you drew the feathers of the flying birds... delightful ! Have a good workshop for your job, Hugs Coco xx

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

The tag is great, with or withour ivy Alison :-) I entered your link "My day job". What a love for sound and/of music!!! You're so alive in many ways!!!

Gio said...

ok ok, the tag is beautiful, I will never be able to stamp that way , with all those layers and hues.

..but but the cabinet, an oooooh is almost spilled out from my mouth. It's gorgeous, you have to be proud of your pieces, you can embellish a whole stand in one of those craft show!! Bellissimo!

Candy C said...

Beautiful tag, Alison. Your glass cabinet is so lovely and with all of those fabulous art projects tucked inside, displayed for all the world to see....it's really a keepsake. Your work is so beautiful. Your glass cabinet is a proper place for your lovely work to be displayed. <3 Candy

Anna said...

Love the display! I never would have thought of doing that! Maybe that is what I should do with one of my built in glass front cupboards. Thanks for sharing!

Sande said...

Yet again another amazing project. Your tag is gorgeous! I love the colors you have chosen and it's simple design.

Now that cabinet...can I have it? Please. Oh my...it's gorgeous. Not sure I've seen one with that shape before...lucky you. And you should be proud to display your creations. They are brilliant and why should they be packed away for nobody to view. I have a antique china cabinet in my room and you've given me a idea as how to use it.

Thanks for sharing.

Nan G said...

Oh the curio cabinet is filled with some many lovelies! It's nice to see a pop of color here n there! Love today's tag. Have a wonderful week, butterfly! Hugs

Margaret said...

Your tag is lovely and the sky is so beautiful! I'm glad you are settling in nicely and the display case looks amazing! So much inspiration and beauty!

Meihsia Liu said...

This is tag is so beautiful, Alison. The colors and stamping are fabulous. I love the way you display your gorgeous works. :)

Annie said...

Fabulous tag Alison :-) Love yhe colour combo and gorgeous stamping.

Your cabinet looks fantastic and will be inspiring too.

Crafty Hugs and best wishes to you in your new home

Annie x

Brenda Brown said...

Glad you are happily ensconced now in your new room and making wonderful art again, your tag is gorgeous. Love the display of your work giving constant inspiration around you, such a fabulous way to see your makes.
Hope you are having a good week.
hugs {brenda} x0x

Von said...

Love the pen work on the birds ! and WOW your cabinet looks amazing :)
Von ♥

Marci said...

I like the tag and the quote, also the quotes at the end of the post. I always look forward to seeing what you have created and what quotes you have chosen. Yes, I'm the one about the ivy.

Marci said...

Ooops, forgot to say that display cabinet is wonderful, and I see some of my favorites in there.

Marci said...

I like the tag and the quote, also the quotes at the end of the post. I always look forward to seeing what you have created and what quotes you have chosen. Yes, I'm the one about the ivy.

Unknown said...

Oh my, I have missed a lot. :( This cabinet is awesome but more so with your beautiful creations filling its shelves. What a fab way to record your marvelous creativity Alison!
I've been back and forth with my DD helping her to settle into college life. Hopefully life calms down now, we'll see. ;) Hugs

Paper Profusion said...

Hurray - so glad you are 'in production' from new abode - this is a fabulous tag Alison. What I love most though is your cabinet - its looks so so impressive with all your art on display. What a fabulous 'go to' for inspiration every day. Nicola x

Terry said...

What a classy way to display your fabulous art! I have no idea what to do with mine! You newest tag is stunning and ready for display! Hugs!

Neet said...

Lovely tag - and what a fabulous display you have. With work like you do it deserves to be on show for everyone to see.
Hope you are settled in your new home.
Hugs, Neet xx

Kasia said...

Alison your tag is beautiful! And WOW, so many stunning creations in one place! It looks amazing :)

toni said...

Another gorgeous tag for your collection ! Your cabinet of treasures is amazing !!!!! Have you thought about having an exhibition, maybe you should contact a local gallery or craft shop . I think there are lots of non bloggers who would really enjoy seeing your stunning work. You are a real inspiration ! Xx toni

maria's knutselplezier said...

Wow Alison, what a great tag, I love those birds , I love the quote and I love the colours , and than your great work that you show us ,wonderfull, you may be very proud of all those beautiful creations you have made , what a great coboard for showing all those beautiful works!!

Greetings
Maria

pearshapedcrafting said...

Hope your busy week hasn't been too frantic! Love this tag and the lovely quote! Now I'm home I'm going to be taking a further peek at you fabulous cabinet - such a lovely idea but not really able to see it on my phone! Hugs, Chrisx

Mary Elizabeth said...

Oh so happy to comment on this post!! First, I loved the inaugural tag for this new workspace. Very appropriate!! Love the effect of the sponge around the edges. I must try that some time. And I too like the plain black birds ... but I feel they needed the feathering on this tag .. good choice. Your layers at the bottom made me think of walking through a fall field after first frost ... the crunch of the undergrowth under my feet as I look at the beautiful crisp blue fall sky and birds taking wing. Lovely "moments".

Now for your glass cabinet ... I think we all agree with your family that your work should be out for everyone to enjoy. I smiled as I recognized so many of your wonderful creations. The collection itself is a living art creation ... it will grow and change as you do in the years to come. Beautiful piece of furniture and another great way to celebrate your artistic vision (like this blog). -- Mary Elizabeth

Anna-Karin said...

Love this tag Alison! And your display case is fabulous!! WOw, what a great idea, I wish I could stand in front of it and look at all your pieces.

May said...

Wonderful tag yet again Alison... I love your display of your beautiful creations....I would love to see them in the flesh.... Hugs May x x x

scrappymo! said...

So glad you filled your display case...it is so gorgeous filled with your lovely treasures.

So glad you have them out for inspiration and reflection!

Lisa Minckler said...

And now we know....I love your cabinet so much. Your work deserves to be on display :)

Mrs.B said...

HI Alison, just catching up and so pleased I did. Love the look of the glass cabinet now that it's full of fabulous projects.
Love the tag too.
Avril xx

Kezzy said...

Wow wow so loving your tag, with blues and white clouds are amazing and your birds are fantastic. The cabinet is truly stunning and full of such awesome inspiration wow :-) Kezzy xxxxxx