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 8 January 2014

Thank You!

Thank you, Linda Coughlin, Funkie Junkie genius!  I've had such a lovely time creating over the last few weeks, inspired by Linda's wonderful 12 Tags of Christmas (well, 14 tags in the end).

I know quite a few of mine have turned up after Christmas (though almost all of them made it onto the blog before the 12 Days were officially up), but I got a bit stuck in the mud, feeling unwell over Christmas, so there was quite a lot of catching up to do.

Anyway, here we are with the second of the two bonus tags, the last tag of all... and this goes out with heartfelt thanks to Linda for her amazing generosity in sharing so much fabulous festive creativity.


You can see Linda's inspiration tag for this one here...  I loved the folded tag structure, the snowflakes, both stamped and textured, and those were the springing off points for my creation.



I had to go for blue and brown again for my final make, so I used Stormy Sky along with my Picket Fence and Brushed Pewter Distress Stains.

I added Liquid Platinum embossing powder to the texture paste which I'd scraped through a Crafter's Workshop stencil.











And I also peppered the edges with just a dusting of the same powder, as well of course as some inking with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

I think there may be a touch of Treasure Gold in there too...







I couldn't resist adding a final couple of pinecones - I have enjoyed using them this year - and they're perched on another of my twigs raided from the garden.












They've also had a touch of the Liquid Platinum... and there's some Treasure Gold White Fire on the twig.



















And having put pinecones on the outside, I decided to have some on the inside too!




























So alongside the multiple stampings of snowflakes (in Stormy Sky, Antique Linen and Weathered Wood Distress Ink, as well as some stamped in Brushed Pewter Distress Paint)...













... I added the fabulous Tim Holtz pine branch stamp in Coffee Archival (a first inking for this - and I don't know that I'm going to be able to wait for next year before using it again!).





I've echoed Linda's use of the labels from Tim's Simple Sayings, but mine are stamped in embossing ink onto kraft paper, and embossed with the Liquid Platinum powder again.  

I do like the colour of it - somewhere between gold and silver - very satisfying.






So there we are... I'm done, and there are even several hours to go (there were times I didn't think I was going to make it at all).  It's been such fun.  Thank you, Linda!  And thanks to all of you for your continued support - it's always a joy to hear from you.

I'd like to enter this as Bonus Tag 2 in the Funkie Junkie's 12 Tags of Christmas, sponsored by The Funkie Junkie Boutique.
I'd like to pop it into the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge too, where they're dealing with the Blues this week!
And since they're also playing the Blues, I'd like to enter it into one of my favourite challenges, Artful Times.  I've not had a chance to play lately, so this is nicely timed!

I feel a very unusual sensation - if it is not indigestion, I think it must be gratitude.
Benjamin Disraeli

58 comments:

Brenda Brown said...

Congratulations on finishing them all and what a finale. This is beautiful Alison, I love the siver with the blues and browns it creates such a wintry feel and the snowflakes are gorgeous.
hugs {brenda} x0x

barbarayaya62 said...

Alison this is one of the most beautiful tag/card that I saw! Pinned now!!!!! BArbarayaya

Mrs.B said...

Such a beautiful finale, love the platinum embossed snowflakes and gorgeous stamping inside.
Off for a catch up now.
Avril xx

Marci said...

What a lovely thank you note. The embossing around the edges is so pretty, as are the snowflakes. I have been eyeing that set with the pinecone stamp, too. Goes so well with your real pinecones. Beautiful and elegant.

sam21ski said...

I love the concept of these folded up tags, perfect, shall have to have a go I think!!

Great make as ever.

Sam xxx

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Lovely Alison, love the natural element if the pinecones and the delicate stamping and snowflakes, lovely combination. Hope you are feeling better now. Tracy x

Silvia(Barnie) said...

How fantastic, love the pine cones.

craftimamma said...

Aargh, Mr Blogger is playing up tonight. Second attempt at a comment.... here goes, lol!

Your final tag is just beautiful Alison. Gorgeous wintry colours and those teensy pine cones are lovely. Well done on completing all the tags.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Redanne said...

The liquid platinum is very aptly named, it is gorgeous on your beautiful tag. The pinecones are a lovely touch too. Hope you are feeling much better now! Hugs, Anne x

Jenny Marples said...

What a way to cross the finish line! Well done you on creating this and 13 other pieces of wonderful art. Every one has been so distinctly yours in style/colour and yet based in the originals too. That's some achievement. Nine months 'til it starts again!!! Jenny x

Nan G said...

Alright butterfly, coming in right at the wire! Nicely done today too. Love the liquid platinum ep. Do hope you're feeling better. Warm hugs.

scrappymo! said...

This is so lovely! The blues and browns are so soft and subtle...I always think of these colours when I see your name!

Love the tag thank you card! Brilliant.

Clare Lloyd said...

It's beautiful.

May said...

Stunning...The colours are perfect..Love the stamps & great design... Hugs May x x x

Paper Profusion said...

Well done on completion Alison - I love this one with its gorgeous cool tones. Nicola x

Kelly said...

So sorry about being ill over Christmas, I had a bad headache on Christmas day so I feel for you! I do love your tag and the style is great. Very beautiful details.
Happy New Years,
Kelly

Netty said...

Good to hear you are feeling a lot better Alison. Love your beautiful folded tag, hugs Annette x

Julie Lee said...

Well done! You made it and this is gorgeous! I love that TH pine branch. I can imagine that you would want to use and use it, it is so beautiful. I have love all your wonderful interpretations of Linda's inspirational designs. I have had so much fun joining in with this challenge - not just creating my own tags, but seeing all the fabulous tags created by others. Thank you, Alison for sharing, it's been fun! Julie Ann xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

Just as I thought....another beautiful creation - the liquid platinum added to texture paste looks fantastic and then....onto the pine cones - lovely! Chrisx

Jennie Atkinson said...

I have loved every one of them Alison! This last one though is just stunning - again fabulous colours, amazing textures and wonderful stars and pinecones! How do you keep the inside so clean! I started inking a similar tag up this afternoon and my inside is really messy!!!!

Von said...

Wonderful to have you joining us again Artful Times Alison lovely folding tag :)
Von ♥

Michelle said...

oh my! This is so very, very pretty! I have been in love with metallic lately so this really caught my eye. The treasure Gold White Fire on the twig is the prettiest thing ever.

Your projects always resonate with me. But this one speaks very loudly. It's beautiful!

Unknown said...

Hope you are on the mend Alison. This is a terrific make and I love those snowflakes. :)))) It's been so much fun to see your tags. Thanks for the amazing inspiration!!! Hugs

Anke said...

Wonderful, lovely and so beautiful.

Hugs
Anke

Kezzy said...

Wow a awesome finish to the tags, I love the blues and browns and the embossing is gorgeous. Hugs:-) Kezzy xxxxx

Inkypinkycraft said...

A gorgeous tag and wow well done on completing all 14 , I only made 12 ! Hugs and sorry for the late comment x hugs x trace x

Shirley said...

We finished ... yaaaaay.

Creamy and dreamy comes to mind with this make Alison and when opened it looks so floaty and whimsical. I love it.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x

Chrissy said...

This one is wonderful Alison..love the colours and the texture on the snowflakes and just have to love the pine cones....beautiful.

luv CHRISSYxx

chrissie said...

Well done on finishing all them Alison and it can't have been easy when you weren't feeling well over Christmas.

Hope you are well again now and I look forward to seeing what you make in 2014. Always a delight to visit
Words and Pictures

Love Chrissie x

chrissie said...

I got so carried away I forgot I was wearing my DT hat. Thank you for joining us at Artful Times for the blue challenge.

:0)chrissie xxxxxxx

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! The embossing looks great.

Deborah said...

Well you really finished (well done!) with a good 'un. Love the contrast of the shimmer with the twig and pine cones. Wonderful, as always.

Astrid Maclean said...

A wonderful finale Alison! Beautiful blue tones on both the in- and the outside and as you know I love the pine cone additions! The stamped pine cones on the inside look great too!

hazel said...

I hope you are feeling better now Alison - your tag card is beautiful.
xxx Hazel.

hazel said...

I hope you are feeling better now Alison - Your tag card is beautiful.
xxx Hazel.

Lucy Edmondson said...

Gorgeous! Love that platinum!

Lucy x

WendyK said...

Gorgeous Wintry tag, love the colours and design.

craftytrog said...

This is a beauty Alison! Love it!
Alison xxx

Monique said...

That's a fabulous card. I love pine cones!
xx Monique

Neet said...

That is just beautiful Alison. I love blue and brown together and especially when they are such subtle shades.
Thanks for sharing, your work is beautiful.
Hugs, Neet x

Hettie said...

Stunning. Just stunning!
xx

cathylynn said...

A wonderful collection of tags you have created and this final one is fantastic! I too love the pinecone stamp on the inside and your snowflakes in the various tones are wonderful. As always another beautiful job! Hope you better soon!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Sandy said...

Are you well Alison? I hope so. The dizzy days of Christmas and all the makes we either have to do or want to do is exhausting. I too love the folded tag concept - your folded tag is beautiful. I am going to have to learn how to speak Russian or something so I can comment on your makes with different words!
Sandy xx

toni said...

Well Alison you have excelled once again ! You have created a beautiful collection of tags . I'm sure that Linda is very proud that she has inspired you to create such wonderful work! I do hope you're feeling better, so many bugs going around at the moment . Best wishes Toni x

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

Gorgeous folding and stunning look Alison!

Evelyn Walter said...

You have really been a busy bee, dear Alison! Your bonus tag is wonderful - I love the colors and the whole look - fabolus again! Also the "seeing double" tags are gorgeous.
I hope you are healthy again!
Hugs
Evelyn

Anonymous said...

A folded tag is always so pretty especially created by you with this soft colour palette and how adorable are those pine cones.
Wishes
Lynne

Heather said...

This is just beautiful Alison, wonderful background and stunning snowflakes. I love the pine cones and the inside stamped both snowflakes and pine cones are perfect!!!

hugs
Heather xx

Margaret said...

What a beautiful way to end the series and such a gorgeous thank you card as well! I love the real pinecones on the outside paired with the beautiful stamped ones inside!

Dorthe said...

Stunning dear Alison,
love the paltinum effect,-and your add of the real pinecones with a dash of that shiny thing, too.
These tag pockets are so lovely an idea!
Hugs,Dorthe

2amscrapper said...

I make a lot of gift card holders and this tag of yours is a stunning make that I'd like to try. The techniques used make this really special.

Mona Pendleton said...

Stunning Alison! Love the beautiful stamped background and the touch of shimmer! Thanks for joining along with Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I'm always so impressed with how you do your edges. You get just the right amount on them. I couldn't understand how this was a tag until you showed the inside. Now I get it. Great project!

Anna-Karin said...

I am sorry you haven't been feeling well Alison, I hope you are better now. Gorgeous project! Love the platinum powder, snowflakes and the wonderful little pinecones. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog!

Tracy said...

Hope your feeling better Alison.
Oh my giddy aunt..wowwowwow...speechless..............looooooooooove!!! :-):-):-)

Jools Robertson said...

Very pretty, gorgeous colours and ingenious design, love the pine cone stamp x

Kasia said...

So lovely! Love the pine cones :)

Mary Elizabeth said...

I'm so sorry you weren't feeling well over the holidays. I hope you were able to enjoy them anyway.

Really love the pine cones. I'm sure your garden relinquished them gladly because it knew they would adorn one of your lovely art pieces. Gorgeous!! -- Mary Elizabeth