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...

Tuesday 7 January 2014

Seeing Double

Hello again!  Thank you for dropping in...  You've got a "twofer" today - two for the price of one, almost the very last of my Funkie Junkie 12 Tags of Christmas.

In fact, they are the last of the "Christmas" tags, and then I've just got one bonus "Thank You" tag left to go.

These are my versions of numbers 6 and 7, which for some reason ended up getting left until last.


And these sort of work as a pair because each of them uses one of the wooden decorations from the Czech Republic which have appeared on a couple of other Funkie Junkie Christmas tags, here and here.








So let's at least do these two in the right order and start with Number 6.  You can see Linda's version here.

I was inspired by her beautiful tag to use some of the Maja Designs papers from It's Christmas Time (though I have the smaller 6x6 versions).  

I find it very hard to rip into the paper pads, so this was a good nudge to actually use some rather than just stroking them!




















I used Iced Spruce as my main colour inspiration for this tag (as Linda did with her tree), so the papers are layered onto a tag that's been doused in Iced Spruce Distress Stain.













And, like Linda, I've used a tree as my main focus, treated similarly to how Linda treated hers.












Mine of course started as a wooden ornament rather than a die-cut...

... but then I painted it, inked it with Iced Spruce, and stamped some lettering, before using DecoArt One-Step Crackle on it.













I inked the crackle with Walnut Stain Distress Stain so that it would get down into the cracks, and then wiped the surface clean again. 











I also made a burlap bow, but decided to cut the ribbon in half lengthwise since I'm working on a smaller tag than Linda's, and the full width was a bit overwhelming.

The little firework and star are by Studio Calico, and I inked them with the Stampers Big Brush Pens.









You saw my bargain deer in yesterday's tag, and here's the "25" that goes with him, cut out of handmade paper and inked a little.













I stamped the sentiment from the Artistic Outpost Midwinter plate onto some gesso'd book paper and cut it to size as a mini-tag to echo Linda's torn notebook paper.  




A touch of Idea-ology linen ribbon and that's Number 6 done and dusted.  So onto the next one...









Number 7 took off from the amazing enamelled background Linda had created for her inspiration tag.  

But I converted her poinsettias to stars - both for the embossed background and as my focal image.  

And I converted her Vintage Photo colour palette to Stormy Sky/Faded Jeans...


















I used the Tim Holtz Starry Night embossing folder on my tag, inked over it with the two blues I mentioned, and then used the Enamelling embossing powder over the whole thing.  

I've had this in the stash for a while and only used it once or twice, and I LOVE the effect - so you'll be seeing this some more!













I inked around the edges with Walnut Stain - love the distressed look where it's able to take on the
card underneath.














I liked the effect so much that I decided to do it on my star too. 










But first I needed to create the background colour.  I used Stormy Sky and Antique Linen Distress Paints, encouraging them to marbleize together with some spritzes of water.













Once that was dry, I did the Enamelling thing again - yum!















But then, of course, I needed a layer between the star and the stars, or it wouldn't show up... 











... so I reached for a book page (naturally!).















That dictated the use of book pages to create the JOY lettering too, cut using the Tim Holtz WordPlay die.

And rather than three tags on my small-size tag, I decided to put all the letters onto one kraft tag.








I also cut some kraft flourishes from the Festive Greenery Decorative Strip Die, and all the kraft got a good inking with Walnut Stain.

The finishing touches "match" the partner tag... some Studio Calico stars...

... some linen ribbon...








... plus a little twist of rusty wire for fun.

So, double trouble for you today, and a long post, I'm afraid... but the finishing post (tee hee!) is now in sight.  One bonus tag to go, and then I'll leave you in peace (sort of).






Thank you so much for your company today - I'm looking forward to doing some Craftyblogland visiting once this whole rush is over!



Two things awe me most, the starry sky above me and the moral law within me.
Immanuel Kant

One today is worth two tomorrows.
Benjamin Franklin

I'm entering these as Tag 6 and Tag 7 in the Funkie Junkie's 12 Tags of Christmas, sponsored by The Funkie Junkie Boutique.



55 comments:

Deborah said...

Absolutely love #6. Iced Spruce really is a great colour.

I don't buy patterned papers any more but when I did I used to scan the sheets I really liked so I'd always have something once I'd use the actual paper.

Jenny Marples said...

What a way to round off the challenge by using the Maja Design papers. You've made such great use of them and the Christmas decorations have been transformed beautifully. Jenny x

Shirley said...

Both are amazing Alison and I can't wait for the last bonus tag I am sure it will be a stunner.

I'm a stroker with paper rather than a user but getting better, I think the re-hab is working!!

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x

Brenda Brown said...

Beautiful interpretations my friend, I love the gorgeous colour palettes and fabulous textures.
hugs {brenda} x0x

Rita said...

Good Morning Alison. What Wonderful tags. You are such a great inspiration to lots of us crafters and I think that is a marvellous thing. The textures look so tactile and I want to touch and feel them. Enjoy your Day. Hugs Rita xxx

froebelsternchen said...

wonderful tags and you inspire us every day dear Alison!
Love this great creativity and inspiration !
xxx
Susi

pearshapedcrafting said...

Both such beautiful tags! Those wooden ornaments look nothing like wood now! I would love some of the Maja Design papers but can't find anyone who stocks the much of the range in the UK! Looking forward to seeing your final tag! Chrisx

Francesca said...

Beautiful tags alison, Happy New Year. Francesca

Anjas-Artefaktotum said...

Thanks for sharing so many photos, love the beautiful inspiring tags.
Wish you a Happy New Year, my Dear.
Big hugs Anja

Julie Lee said...

These are just fabulous! The colours and the effects are superb. I love the way you have incorporated the embellishments: the detail on both tags is stunning. Good luck with completing the challenge. I've so loved seeing all you've done. Julie Ann xx

Marci said...

These are fantastic. Two of my favorite color schemes that you do. ( so well) Old books in French or German,etc with that lovely font aren't easy to find here. I love how you use them. I did find the second half of a Magyar Angol 1963 dictionary at a thrift store. Now if I can make myself cut into it. Sorry, rambling. I love reading your posts and learn so much. Beautiful tags, again. Is that Ranger enamelware embossing powder you used, or what kind, please?

Hettie said...

Gorgeous as usual Alison. Love your takes.
Hugs
xx

Words and Pictures said...

Hi Marci!

Yes, it's called Ranger Enamelware, and it's sort of clear, but with those white speckles in - a really cool finish...

And yes, I'm lucky to have my European connections to keep an eye out for the vintage font books - happy to share a few pages if you drop me an email!!
Alison xx

Lisa Minckler said...

Oh my goodness, you crack me up! I love that your humor seeps through on your posts, but as I read I always try to visualize the writer/artist in action and when you use words like "encourage" to describe your technique, I get this image of a musical composer...lol. Arms flying high in the air and pirouetting out and about, up and down and then BAM...gorgeous projects!!
Thank you for the beautiful pictures as well as oral descriptions...always a pleasure :)
hugs,
Lisa x

Redanne said...

A fabulous duo Alison, I really love how you made those wooden decorations your own - they look so beautiful. I keep resisting those Maja papers but not sure I can keep it up! Hugs, Anne x

Dorthe said...

Hello dear Alison,
I really love those tags,-
they are beautiful, the wooden cutouts so lovely, and altered with ink ,crackle and enamal tecnique makes them even more wonderful, and so great with your: JOY in old book paper . Thank you for all your explayning to us.
xo,Dorthe

Michelle said...

Beautiful! Your tags are a wonderful combination of texture, design and creativity.. So pretty!

Terry said...

Twofer gorgeousness! Alison, both of these are such soft and elegant delights! That starry background (not I need that EF)is fabulous and I love what you have done witht he tree and star ornaments! Beautiful!!!

sam21ski said...

Great tags Alison but you really must be all Christmassed out by now??? Hehehehehe!!!

Sam xxx

Netty said...

Gorgeous tags Alison, fab colours and diecuts. Hugs Annette x

Helen said...

am heading out very soon tonight to craft club so just paying a flying visit - these are fabulous!!

Paper Profusion said...

Beautiful tags Alison! The enamelware powder is a new one to me - love its effect on the starry embossing, especially over blue. Lots of fabby information as usual - thank-you! Nicola x

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Gorgeous tags! You put so much work and effort into each and every piece and it shows. I love the serenity of these two tags.

Unknown said...

Hi Alison. These tags are great. Super colours and backgrounds. Very inspirational. I will keep these for future ideas. :-)

Dagmar said...

wow - your tags are so fantastic!

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

Great tags Alison...your ideas are always so good!

mark gould said...

Both are stunningly beautiful Alison although for me the stand out element is the crackle tree. Love it.
Looks like Xmas was a very very busy time for you ;) x

Unknown said...

Both are absolutely gorgeous but the star is my favourite, probably because I love blue. I love all the texture you've created on them.

Emma x

cathylynn said...

Wowzers Alison. Both of these are my absolute favorites! Great colors and each tag has me in awe! Love them!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Astrid Maclean said...

Gorgeous Alison, specially love the treatment of the wood pieces! Great subtle colours too!

Mona Pendleton said...

Such pretty tags Alison! Love all the texture and techniques that you used! Thanks for sharing!

Cinderella Moments said...

Your composition is just marvelous! You make it look so easy arranging different pieces on a tag. But it's quite the job getting everything to look right. You accomplish genius level everytime.
hugs♥,
Caroline

Meihsia Liu said...

Both tags are gorgeous, Alison. I really the beautiful colors and textures. Your creations are always amazing. :)

Kate Yetter said...

I love both these tags! The tree and star are fabulous! Great texture in the background!

Margaret said...

These are beautiful! I absolutely love the altered wooden pieces. All of your tags have been such wonderful creations and I bet they make a gorgeous collection!

scrappymo! said...

Gorgeous! Both of them are so gorgeous. I have studied, your tags and Linda's tags and Sam's (Hettiecraft) all of 2013...trying to file away and remember how to be creative like this. I plan to try and join you in a tag or three in 2014.Hope I can be a free and creative with my art...I always think mine looks too contrived.

VintageScrapsCanada said...

These are gorgeous -
they feel light &

so nice

Nan G said...

Beautiful Gorgeous Love 'em! Great effect with that enameling powder. Will have to look into that. Now Butterfly, stop that! I'm s'pose to be purging not shopping. ;) ;) warm hugs!

Kezzy said...

Wow wow wow both tags are super gorgeous. I love these colours and you do them so well. The wooden decorations are beautifully altered and the enamelled effect is awesome. What's the decoart art one step crackle like? Hugs Kezzy :-) xxxxx

Anonymous said...

Oh Alison these are just simply stunning! I WANT one! hahaa! LOVE everything about them the colour the style, everything! hugs me xx

Thanks for dropping by to see me too! hugs xx

craftytrog said...

Such wonderful textures on these beauties Alison! I love how you altered the star & the tree.
Alison xxx

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wow, I'm missing words - your tags are gorgeous. Love the star and the tree.

Jennie Atkinson said...

Both are just soooo beautiful Alison - gorgeous colours (I love the blue particularly). Just love everything about them!

Dianne said...

Hello Miss Alison, well 2 more STUNNING tags, all of them are gorgeous, the work yo put into them is amazing, it's fabulous seeing them come together, thanks so much for sharing and have a wonderful day, ((( BIG HUGS ))), my friend, I have missed you..

Unknown said...

More amazingness - so much inspiration in one post. Both these tags are beautiful but I'm really crushing on the white one. Lovely work!

Ana K. said...

I can’t choose which one I like more…both are wonderful Alison! I love how you altered the tree and star!

Candy C said...

Alison...where DO you get all of your energy and ideas?!?! haha These two tags are lovely. I love the punched design within the star and tree...that is so pretty! Your tag designs are so neat. Love the backgrounds! Love the colors! Love all of the embellishments you've used to make each one so unique. <3 Candy

Mrs.B said...

Two gorgeous tags Alison, love the colour and textures. I know what your mean about the papers - but I am trying to use them more instead of looking and putting them back!
Avril xx

Anonymous said...

They're so beautiful! I love the colours & the texture on the star & tree looks amazing.

Anke said...

WOW WOW WOW I love your tags, absolutely stunning.

Hugs
Anke

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

So many sensational details on these two tags. I'm really drooling over the gorgeous work you did with the Enamelware EP - one of my favorites! I especially love the blue color palette on the star tag! So glad you finished the challenge. I'm just delighted that you played along this year. Best of luck in the prize drawing!

Hugs,
Linda

Cocofolies said...

Both tags are really well done, technically fabulous as usual, and the result is so gorgeous!!! Have a lovely day Alison! Hugs, Coco xx

2amscrapper said...

These are wonderful. I must remember to join in next year.

Jools Robertson said...

These are amazing, both stunning! Love that tree and the texture is gorgeous

Jools x

Mary Elizabeth said...

Oh dear Alison ... I laughed out loud when I read "I find it very hard to rip into the paper pads, so this was a good nudge to actually use some rather than just stroking them!" Yes!! That is sooooooo me. So glad you used the paper because the white 'tree' tag really is one my all-time faves!! Gorgeous treatment on the tree. I'm having a blast reading through all of your posts. A great way to spend a Saturday. -- Mary Elizabeth