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...

Saturday 8 February 2014

And now for something completely different...

Hello and welcome all, with an especially big welcome to the newest followers - thank you so much for joining the fun!

It's a big day today... it's time for the first of the new PaperArtsy stamp releases, designed by the completely fabulous Darcy as part of the PaperArtsy Eclectica range.  It's been so exciting to get to play with these brand new stamps, creating samples for the PaperArtsy show boards.




The stamps are full of quirky and sometimes steampunky images - creatures and plants as well as some adorable little houses.

As you'll see, they're not my usual style, and I was worried when I first saw them that I wouldn't be able to do them justice.  But it was fascinating playing and seeing what new ideas and possibilities arose on the craft table in front of me.

I'll give you a brief peek today at some of the projects I created, and will post them in a bit more detail over the next couple of weeks.









And I'm saving one of my favourites to share with you over at the PaperArtsy blog as my February guest spot later in the month.

Of course, over at PaperArtsy there are loads of inspirational projects from Darcy herself as well as other members of the PaperArtsy troupe of designers.










So here's the full line-up of Darcy's new Eclectica stamps... four large sets, codename EDY (click for a larger view):


And eight ATC sized minis, codename EM (Eclectica Minis):


        




You'll see I've used stamps from all the large sets on my samples and some of the minis too.







What I forgot to do before posting the samples off to Leandra at PaperArtsy was to take a picture of all my projects together (sigh!), so you're getting them one at a time.











I had lots of fun adding metal-wear to some of the images - like the fabulous flamingo (?!) you've already seen, and these bold beautiful flowers...












And I played with lots of my favourite techniques, like crackle glaze for my backgrounds, as on this little ATC...













... another quirky bird celebrating his uniqueness!  I think this is my favourite of the sentiments included in the stamp sets.








Obviously there's corrugated cardboard involved, and I love sponging my Fresco paint on for texture in the background.


I used some of Darcy's wonderful grasses behind these little faerie houses, as well as the funky border stamp along the top flaps.  Yes, they're stamped on cash envelopes!





A bit more crackle glaze behind this magnificent bird, as well as some more metal additions and a new-ish ingredient for me - Liquid Pearls.

I did my "colouring in" using washes of Fresco paint, with some penwork to shade and highlight areas.  And that funky border comes into play again top and bottom.













In some cases I added wood rather than metal...

Lots of clear-embossing for extra definition and texture...












... as well as some white embossing to really make those stars twinkle high above on this 8 x 8 canvas.









And here's a sneak peek of maybe my favourite make (it's a toss up between this and the faerie houses I think, though I am quite fond of the flamingo too!) - I hope you'll be able to catch it later in the month.


So that's just a taster of some of Darcy's brilliant stamps.  They'll be available in your local PaperArtsy stockists after the official launch at Stitches Trade Show, February 16th - 18th.  Do hop over to PaperArtsy for all the details, and to see what my fabulous team-mates got up to with these stamps.

I'll be back to give you the lowdown on some of these projects here at Words and Pictures over the next wee while, and there's lots more excitement and new releases to come here and over at PaperArtsy too, so keep an eye out!

Move out of your comfort zone.  You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.
Brian Tracy

I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.
J.B. Priestley

65 comments:

Clare Lloyd said...

Fabulous projects Alison!

Amanda said...

WOW!! Now you're trying to get me to spend more money! Lol. These are absolutely stunning creations, if pushed and I have had to keep looking, I would pick the flamingo but there are so many close seconds.
Love
Amanda x

Julie Lee said...

You have really done these amazing stamps justice, Alison! You have brought Darcy's imaginative world brilliantly to life and shown how adaptable this collection is! I love how you used some of your favourite techniques and materials and those cash envelopes look great! A really fresh and exciting post! Julie Ann xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

Oh! These do look fun! Love what you've done - especially with the funky bird and those cute houses! I'm not laughing(honest ) but I'd love to have seen your worried look when you first saw them! You need not have done obviously! Hugs, Chrisx

Sandy said...

These are quirky and fun! I really enjoyed looking at all your makes especially the houses. I love houses and I really should do them!!
Sandy xx

Debi said...

OH WOW! just love these- its good to pushed out of our comfort zone sometimes I reckon, these are all fab, imposs to choose a fav :-) Debi xxx

Redanne said...

Wow Alison, you took something you were not sure of and made some fabulous pieces or art. I just love that funky flamingo and the houses with the wooden embellishments are fabulous. Anne xx

Carol Q said...

you've made some fabulous samples Alison. love the way you accented the images to make them more steampunk and your crackled background looks so good behind the flamingo. I gave up trying to put images of the stamp plates into my blog. it just wouldn't have it today.

Fliss said...

Wow Alison! Totally stunning artwork and love the new stamps which look beautifully quirky.
More for the wish list!
Fliss xx

Michelle said...

Such fun and whimsical creations! You most certainly did these beautifully. I love them!

Astrid Maclean said...

Well, that certainly is a bit different for you, but you rose to the challenge for sure. My favourite is the quirky flamingo, but the houses are kind of cheerful too. Being honest,these are not my type of stamps, so I really admire what you managed to do with them!

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

Alison I love what you have done with these gorgeous new stamps...think there might NEED to be an order in the ether!
In particular I love the flower piece with the little bits of metal so beautifully added in!

Anonymous said...

Alison
I am absolutely in awe of your productivity, I bow down to you because this is exceptional the way you created so many samples yet each has such a freshness to it - bravo to you.
Some wonderfully fun images and your samples, well I simple love all the little details on each one.
Wishes
Lynne

Evelyn Walter said...

Wow, Alison! Your projects are great again (although these stamps are not my prefered type)! I love the embellishing you did, especially the metal trinkets on the bird.
Have a nice sunday (:o)
xxx Evelyn

Helen said...

These all look fabulous, Alison, you've used them in such great ways.
See you tomorrow, (hope you're still going!)

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Fabulous selection of projects Alison. I love the quirky images and your wonderful designs . Love them all. Tracy x

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wow, these are breathtaking new images and your creations are fantastic.

maj. said...

I absolutely ADORE this artworks!!!!

Marci said...

Not my style, either, but I do like the stars and some of the border and accent stamps. Bravo to you for doing such a good job with these. Like how you used the cash envelopes, but I think my favorite is the bird with the heart. You showcased the little bird, beautifully.

Meggymay said...

Wow, amazing creations, I realy love this collection of images. Oh dear that sounds like more going on the wish list.
Yvonne x

Maggie said...

Fabulous projects Alison with these gorgeous new stamps which I am loving, the flamingo is high on my favs, think I "need" them all!
Thanks for sharing
MaggieH

Cestina said...

Fabulous flamingo! He can join my menagerie any time :-)
x

rachel said...

these are wonderful projects Alison - I just adore the new minis - fabulous and your use of them is very inspiring - thankyou xx

trisha too said...

Well these are fun images, Alison--I love what you've done with them!

:)

Kasia said...

WOW! Amazing projects, Alison!
I fell in love with the unique bird :D Wonderful stamps!

Mary Elizabeth said...

Oh Alison ... what great samples for the new stamps. I adore the Flamingo!!!! The Liquid Pearls and and metal wear are amazing. So much fun! And the metal wear flowers. THanks for sharing these with us! Leandra should love these :) -- Mary Elizabeth

The House of Bears said...

Oh my, these are truly beautiful , especially the crackle glaze background and bird. We have a bearthday coming up and may need to add some of these beauties to our ever growing wish list.

Brenda Brown said...

Beautifully done Alison you have made Darcy's quaint stamps really stand out. Xx

Princess Judy Palmer said...

So many wonderful things! Such great projects. I like it when you mention the size of your project, like you did with the 8x8 canvas. Sometimes it is hard to tell if it is a big piece or not. I'm pretty sure cash envelopes are on the small size and your flamingo tag, well tags can be any size. I guess ultimately size does not matter as they are all fabulous no matter what! I really like all the metal touches but then you used wood too and that's a nice look as well.

Terry said...

Different and fabulously artsy! Love the crackle and use of gears. Totally wonderful projects, Alison! Hugs!

Nan G said...

Holy cow! Fab makes Alison! Looks like you have fun stepping out of your comfort zone.....way out! Love the backgrounds and the bits of wood and metal.

Unni A said...

Wow! These are absolutely fabulous! How fun :) Everything you touch turns out to be gold :) Amazing!
hugs, Unni

maria's knutselplezier said...

Wow , you made amazing project with these new stamps!!! I love it a lot, again some stamps to put on the wishing list!!!You inspire us all!!!

Greetings
Maria

Chrissy said...

Absolutely brilliant Alison..I just love that Steampunk bird..I do love the bird with wheels for feet and the steampunk flowers are fabulous too..all your projects are wonderful..fabulous stamps sets..

luv CHRISSYxx

Deborah said...

You may have been nervous about doing them justice, Alison, but you certainly needn't have been! These are just wonderful - all of them. I love the stamping on the envelopes and my absolute favourite is your steampunk bird with extra metal.

chrissie said...

These stamps are amazing and you have certainly showed them at their very best Alison.

I immediately thought of Monty Python when I saw the title of your post :)

Love Chrissie x

Willy said...

Wow...what a beautiful stamps and I love what you made of it, looks fantastic!!

May said...

Fabulous stamps Alison you have most definitely done them justice WOW...I love the bird.. and the new range the cat one caught my eye...Fantastic work.... Hugs May x x x

Mona Pendleton said...

What fun projects Alison!

Dianne said...

Hello Miss Alison, well you have showcased those stamps to there fullest, you are just so creative, the stamps are not my think but you have made them fabulous with all your wonderful techniques,I love what you did with the flamingo it's soooooo kool,I love the house's with the grasses, fantastic,can't wait to see it all, thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day, ((( BIG HUGS)))..

Netty said...

wonderful samples Alison. It shows the fun side of your character brilliantly. Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

Mrs.B said...

So different for you Alison, but you really have pulled it off.
Love all the bits of hardwear added to the images, a great touch.
Avril xx

Martina said...

This is a gorgeous presentation of this Paper Artsy stamps, dear Alison! Really beautifully designed! BRAVO!!

Paper Profusion said...

Hats off Alison to your versatility. Even if something isnt entirely in your style the fab end result shows what a true artiste you are. Wonderful display. Nicola x

froebelsternchen said...

Oh my GOSH---- you make my mouth stay open... wide...
fabulos pieces..you are so versatile..
Love all this famous projects Alison!

GORGEOUS ART!!

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

...oh my you have been busy Alison, these are fabulous designs and what a marvelous set of stamps to be playing with :) loving the flamingo! awesome and inspiring art...Xx

Anonymous said...

Alison, they are all wonderful. I completely love the flamingo - the texture looks gorgeous - but all of them are fantastic.
Thanks so much for your kind comments on m blog, it was a thrill to meet you today.

Marjie Kemper said...

Wow! You sure played outside the box and these are just gorgeous samples. Love the metal additions, too, so well placed and fun!

Hettie said...

Fantastic Alison. Just love the Flamingo! So funny.
Hugs
xx

cathylynn said...

Alison each one is totally awesome and I absolutely love the flamingo!! Once again you have produced some stunning creations.
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Dagmar said...

Wow wow wow - it's sutch a fantastic creation!!!! I must have them all ;o))
I love the style and your works are so great!!!!! Hugs, Dagmar

Tincan Crafter said...

Loving it!

Tincan Crafter said...

Loving it!

Ana K. said...

Each sample is something special and I love them all...unique and fresh....little houses are magical, birds are awesome (specially steampunk bird catch my eye a bit longer),...very creative!

Cocofolies said...

Truly magnificent Alison, each sample is a pure delight!!!! I smiled when I read that you were afraid at first to not be able to do them justice haha... You're an extraordinary ambassador on the contrary for Darcy's stamps, so original!! Hugs, Coco xx

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh, I love your projects and I love these stamps. They are so stinkin' cute and it looks like I have a new stamp company to add to my crafty shopping list. :) There's no way to pick a favorite because they're all fabulous. Thanks for the crafty mojo Alison. Big Hugs, Lisa xx

craftytrog said...

Wonderful inspiration Alison! Now wishing I'd bought those fab dwellings!
Lovely to see you yesterday!
Alison xxx

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

What a stunning stamps!!!! Ohh and all thos lovely cards etc...Alison, this looks great!!! Thanks for sharing...

Sophie said...

Alison :-)
du hast es geschafft, dass ich fast vom Stuhl gekippt bin :-)
Meine Güte!
Was für tolle Karten, und was für wahnsinnig grandiose Stempel!
Du hast wirklich ein Riesentalent, mit diesen Stempeln zu arbeiten.
Die Farben sind phänomenal.

Liebe Grüße
Sophie

massofhair said...

Think it's all been said but i like your style of using Darcy's exquisite stamps. Looking forward to your GD spot! :-) xxx

Hazel Agnew said...

I am like a sponge, soaking up ideas and running with them. Darcy's stamps are so much fun, and you have certainly showcased them beautifully. Like the wooden additions rather than just metal and love the bird tag. Was chatting to you at stevenage but didn't know who you were. We were selecting the un mounted PA stamps . Brilliant work as always Alison. X

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Brilliant makes! The birds has me hanging my mouth open. I LOVE him!!!!

Jools Robertson said...

Wow these are brilliant, love the new stamps and your makes are fab. Especially, love the magnificent
bird, flowers and the fairie canvas
Looks like you had a lot of fun

Jools x

Kezzy said...

Wow wow wow awesome samples. I really love the quirky stamps from Darcy and your creations are gorgeous :-) Kezzy xxx

Margaret said...

Fun images and you did an amazing job coloring and embellishing them!
At a glance I thought the flamingo was a dodo bird, but the legs are a bit too long!