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 28 June 2014

Autumn Limitations




Hello all!  I thought I wasn't going to make it for Tim's tag this month, but I'm here!

And it was all the more galling because the inspiration tag from Mr Holtz featured such a cool technique, which was great fun to play with, and will definitely become a regular part of the repertoire... but I'm happy to say it all worked out in the end!

So here's my take on the June tag.

It's not very summery, I know, but I was limited by the same thing as many of you in that the butterfly Framelits haven't arrived yet (they're on pre-order and I can't wait to play!).

So that involved some lateral thinking in what to use instead - and I ended up in Autumn (it's been happening once or twice lately).  The sentiment really turned out to be very apt!









As I say, the technique itself was great fun (I'm not going to go over it... you can get all the details so much better from Tim's own tutorial!).

I messed around with it in several variations over the course of the month, while waiting for things to dry on other stuff I was making (it's very quick too!).

Sometimes I worked in colour ways which felt very comfortable...








And sometimes I pushed the boat out a bit with my colour palettes - not very me, you'll notice, but worth a try!

I've certainly got plenty of backgrounds ready to play with thanks to Tim.









In the end, though, it came down to the decision to use the smaller stamps from the Autumn Leaves set as my images... and that meant creating another background using the Woodgrain stencil.

The colours used are mainly Rusty Hinge, Vintage Photo and Gathered Twigs throughout.

The leaves themselves follow some of the watercolouring techniques from Tim's Compendium of Curiosities III, so as I'm going to enter it over at Linda Ledbetter's for Challenge 5 too, I won't go into that either.










Suffice it to say, I stamped the images direct onto the background in Archival ink first, and then created my additional leaves to go over the top.













Once I'd done my watercolouring, I decided the leaf skeletons needed a little more definition again, so I used a PITT pen just to sketch in a bit more detail over the top.













Also, I wanted to echo the botanical labelling that you get with the butterflies, so I used some Remnant Rubs to add the Figure labels beside each leaf.












I stamped the sentiment in Jet Black, but even with some clear embossing it wasn't quite holding its own against the woodgrain.

To make it pop a bit more, I coloured in the edges with a black PITT pen and the main face of the letters with Wild Honey and Rusty Hinge Distress Markers before clear embossing again.












The gloss and the texture means it pings a bit better against the background.









I added an Idea-ology Muse Token, altered with some Tarnished Brass Distress Paint and some Florentine Gold Treasure Gold.

There are also gold highlights around the leaf edges and tag edges in places too.  And I edged both the central panel and the tag in the background with Potting Soil Archival to give good definition and draw the eye inwards.










I had a lovely time making the "Paula Bow"... so simple and yet so effective.  There's nothing like a bit (or a lot!) of dyed crinkle ribbon to finish off a tag.









So thank you for another fabulous piece of inspiration this month, Tim - this is a technique which will definitely be featuring again.  Quite apart from anything else, I've got all those other variations to use up!!

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I'm in the usual end-of-month chaos, so forgive me for being somewhat slack on the visiting.  

I always seem to be on catch up at the moment, but I'm really looking forward to spending some time finding out what you've all been up to lately.

Have a lovely weekend all!

Never say there is nothing beautiful in the world any more.  There is always something to make you wonder in the shape of a tree, the trembling of a leaf.
Albert Schweitzer






I'd like to enter this as my June tag in Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of 2014, and also in Challenge 5 of the Compendium of Curiosities III Challenges hosted by the fabulous Linda Ledbetter.

77 comments:

Kim said...

Absolutely love your tag...I am so not a summer person. Your colors are beautifully blended and the wood grain background pulls it all together.

Karin said...

gorgeous tag, the leafs look so real! Groetjes Karin

Inky and Quirky Designs said...

This is stunning Alison,I really thought the leaves were real they look that good!
Hugs
Donna x

brenda said...

I love anything tree/leaf/autumn related Alison so this ticks all my boxes.

Hope you have a lovely weekend.

B x

Nan G said...

Perfect....everything...colors technique distressing layering! Wow! This style I'll even attempt. Thanks for stopping by...the Girls say Hi and they rule the roost. Mom is relegated to the patio where's hot. :) have a great weekend!

Marci said...

Exquisite! And fall is not my favorite season. I love the tonal quality( I think that's right). The leaves seem to glow from within but are still subtle. LOVE!!! Excellent job with the ribbon, muse token and background, too. How can we embrace imperfection when this is so perfect? :))

Dianne said...

EEEEKKKKKSSSS, I was just using the same stencil, first time for me,now I'll have to try it with this netiquette,it looks FABULOUSSSSS. and you know I love the autumn theme, your leaves look real, amazing, I' loooooove how your tearing that paper making gorgeous edges, your sentiment an tooping perfection as always,okay I have to get to my desk, I'm pumped with inspiration, thanks Miss Butterfly your THE BOMB, have a wonderful weekend, ((( BIG HUGS )))...

Sophie said...

Umwerfend schön und so harmonisch.
Es passt einfach alles.
Ich bewundere auch immer die schönen eingefärbten Schleifen.

Schönes Weekend, liebe Alison
Herzlichst <3 Sophie

Marci said...

P.S. Forgot to say I love the quote!

Terry said...

Love the realistic look of those autumn leaves, Alison! Gorgeous backgrounds and looking forward to seeing what you do with the "boat pushing" ones! Hugs!

froebelsternchen said...

It is wonderful Alison ..and all the backgrounds you made are gorgeous too!

Julia Aston said...

Wonderful backgrounds using this technique Alison! Love the leaves - they look real!!

Julie Lee said...

Like so many of the other commenta, I thought those leaves were real at first! They really are beautiful! I love this tag and Autumn is a wonderful season for subtle colour and texture. I used to check out Tim's tutorials all the time last year, but this year I've been so busy: I must take the time to catch up with his fabulous techniques. Julie Ann xxx

Helen said...

What a beautiful tag, Alison, love the colours and the leaves are just gorgeous - with the weather we've had here today, quite appropriate too!
Thanks for your birthday wishes and the e-card, which I saw in between computer issues!!

Regina said...

fantastic! Wonderful colors!

Regina*

Annie said...

A fantastic take on Tim's tag Alison and some wonderful backgrounds ready for future creations.
Love the background on your autumnal tag and the leaves look fabulous. I do hope to play Long too but may sail close to the wind due to other things

Have a great weekend

Hugs Annie x

sally said...

Wow! It may be shades of brown but it's gorgeous! I think this is the favourite of the June tags I've seen this month.
I'm also biased in that I love autumn & it's foliage/colours.

Sally

barbarayaya62 said...

Alison I love your wonderful ability to use the neutral tones! This is a wonderful tag! Pinned! BArbarayaya

catherine said...

Looks fabulous Alison. Love those leaves and stunning background
x catherine

Amanda said...

You've been busy with your backgrounds, love those leaves to make up a fabulous tag.
Love
Amanda x

Ellie Knol said...

It's perfect, love the colors!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous tag, the leaves look so realistic.

Juliz Design Post said...

Wow Alison, your tag is absolutely gorgeous and your leaves look so realistic, as if you saved them up in the winter months. Such beautiful work.
Julie x

Redanne said...

Your autumnal background is gorgeous Alison and the leaves really do look real! Love the other tag bases too. Anne xx

Cestina said...

They're not real? Are you sure?
xxx

rachel said...

this is just amazing Alison - the background looks really awesome and those leaves look seriously real - love them xx

Meggymay said...

A fantastic set of backgrounds, loved the change of colours you used. Its an awesome tag as well, I love the autumn shades for the leaves.
yvonne

Cocofolies said...

I love this tag, that's a wonderful take on Tim's June tag!!! Your crinkle ribbon is delightful, and the leaves so realistic! Wow!! Hugs, Coco xxx

Almo said...

Wow Alison those leaves look like you have just picked them up of the floor on a crisp Autumn day. I also love the watercolouring in the sentiment. Mo x

Astrid Maclean said...

Fabulous leaves and a fantastic take on the original! Love that you kept it in monochrome and that wood stencil really fits your autumnal theme! The other ones will come in handy for future projects I'm sure.

Brenda Brown said...

Beautifully designed and put together Alison, I love the autumnal colours and your use of the leaves. I am sure you'll have just as much fun with all the other backgrounds you have made. Enjoy the weekend. xx

Jackie PN said...

Alison, what a fabulous tag! I have white birch trees in my yard and at first glance, I thought that's what you had used! Stunning-"summer" tag!teehee The quote is perfect! as it goes along so well with your post! ")
ps...thanks for popping in!

Netty said...

Great design, stamping and textures Alison. Fab tag, Annette x

Rita said...

What a magnificent tag Alison. I love the colours and those leaves are breathtakingly beautiful. Have a Good Day. Hugs Rita xxx

Nikki Acton said...

A fantastic interpretation of Tim's tag... The 'neutral zone' won again! I too tried coloured versions and they are sitting on my desk waiting to be used. Your leaves are stunning, perfect for the CC3 challenge. Overall a stunning composition.
On other matters, thanks for all your comments last night, and you did make me chuckle about the earring! You are so right, it hadn't occurred to me, lol. Nikki xx

Flo Langley said...

Simply gorgeous!!! Love the lateral thinking!! As always fabulous photos to see all the detail. Thank you Alison.
Have a lovely Sunday.
Hugs, Florence x

May said...

Gorgeous tag Alison, Your background is fantastic the leaves looks so real...Simply Beautiful... Hugs May x x

Mona Pendleton said...

Gorgeous collection of tags Alison! I love them all!

Lys said...

The leaves seems to have just fallen here on your beautiful tag. Happy to see your tries on Tim's technique... Each one is worth. Personnally I let it down... Beautiful colours, I love!

Deborah said...

How can you be thinking of Autumn already! LOL But it certainly is a stunning tag. And I really want to see what you do with all the other fantastic tag backgrounds.

Gitte said...

Beautiful tag.

Meresanth said...

I love your autumn tag! These leaves look sooo real, it's a beautiful effect!
Hugs,
Agnieszka

Chris said...

Superb tag Alison, what a fantastic mono print you got too! Love your autumn colours and the leaves and same as you this is going to be a favourite technique for me too as well. Chris x

Unknown said...

Yikes... LOVE this tag... like you I had to do quite a few too... so much fun though.. .I love the monotone effects on this special tag though... vey pleasant to the eye... Your CANDY is wonderfully appreciated... I am trying to stay with seasons... but this autumn season looks so cooling... Love it all... thanks Alison for being YOU.. Love, Light and Peace...Bonnie

Anonymous said...

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS! It's really gorgeous!

Dorthe said...

It`s a fantastic tag, dear Alison. Those leaves almost looks real, so amazing-and love what you did to make the text pop more up!! The background is wonderful !!!
Hugs,Dorthe

EvaM said...

Oh, it's gorgeous!!!!
Have a nice day, Eva

pearshapedcrafting said...

Autumn may have come early here but when it's this beautiful I'm not complaining! I see there's also some summer sunshine for you to use too with your other tags! Gorgeous! Chrisx

Mrs.B said...

Fabulous tag Alison, love the look of the leaves. It's a great technique.
Avril xx

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE this Alison! Glad you combined the challenges too, because it fits! You always make awesome leaves...love the watercoloring and excellent June take as well! Thanks so much for joining us on this painty challenge here at CC3Challenge!!

Unknown said...

Another gorgeous make, I love the technique and one i must try sometime too xx

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

I've been doing this technique since I started using stencils 'cause I couldn't stand to discard the leftover ink when I was cleaning off my stencil - LOL. But NEVER have I had the results you did with the woodgrain stencil - that is SOOOO cool. Love the way it looks and the autumn leaves are so perfect for it. Now I want to run and have a play with my stencils so can join in at the last minute! Thanks so much for the inspiration!

Hugs,
Linda

Jenny Marples said...

A fantastic autumnal take on these challenges - that background came out so well here and combines perfectly with those gorgeous leaves. I can almost hear them crunching under foot from here! As ever, inspirational. Jenny x

Anonymous said...

I can hear the rustle of leaves in the trees overheard as I crunch my way through the woodland bed of Autumn leaves.
I might need to splurge on that stencil.
Alison, I have missed your posts during the times when I have been absent from blogland and apologise for not managing to visit you every single post, without fail. I can only hope that I am able to do so in July.
Wishes
Lynne

Lucy Edmondson said...

Gorgeous tag, Alison!

Lucy x

Nikki said...

STUNNING TAG love how the leaves look

Unknown said...

What gorgeous tags Alison - beautiful and different. I can see why you decided on the brown one, what a delicious wood grain effect. Fab! Chris xxx

craftytrog said...

A beautiful autumnal version Alison! xxx

Kay Wallace said...

I love having backgrounds ready, Alison, especially tag backgrounds, as they are so versatile and can be made into whatever I need at the last minute! But, I am partial to the one you used here, as I am such a vintage palette fan. Love it!

Bärbel said...

Wunderschön, liebe Alison, Hintergrund und Blätter sind so realistisch, ich bin begeistert!
Liebe Grüße, Bärbel

Evelyn Walter said...

Hello dear Alison, I was off 3 weeks and have to look now, what happend here :)
I really love your tag! That technique is really great, I´ll try it out soon.
xx Evelyn

Von said...

A stunning tag Alison :)
Von ♥

Kezzy said...

Wow wow really love your nature tag inspired bt Mr Holtz June tag, I completely forgot to have a go but I really must try the technique as it looks ace. I love all the colours you used in each of your tags, so different from every bodies bright ones :-) Kezzy xxx

Inkypinkycraft said...

beautiful tag Alison, love those leaves they are on my wish list and gorgeous background...do love my browns x hugs x

Candy C said...

Alison, your autumnal themed tag is beautiful! I so love how you've incorporated all of the lovely brown tones into such a quiet, serene piece. Your leaves are amazing and the love not only the sentiment but your placement of it on the tag. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us at CC3C. <3 Candy

cathylynn said...

Holy Smokes this is Awesome!!!! I love every square inch of it! Your colors are top notch and those leaves are fantastic! Another phenomenal creation!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Unknown said...

So many wonderful backgrounds to enjoy Alison! I love your June tag and the leaves are so detailed plus the woodgrain is truly superb. You are the texture queen! xx

sam21ski said...

Absolutely gorgeous Alison

Sam xx

sam21ski said...

Absolutely gorgeous Alison

Sam xx

Ruth said...

Absolutely beautiful tones, lovely amber and honey colours, gorgeous submission! The other backgrounds are just beautiful too. Ruth x

JansArtyJunk said...

A fabby set of backgrounds, loved the autumnal colours you used Alison...and those leaves look amazing!! Beautiful tag!x

Annette Green said...

Alison, I love all that you do. And this beautiful tag is no exception. I'm partial to the natural color palette too. Don't love the brights as much. And you always nail it perfectly. Those leaves are so realistic looking, I had to look twice to see they were actually stamped and watercolored. Amazing job! So glad you're entering it into the CC3 Challenge. <>

Yvonne said...

This autumn art is gorgeous! Love the colors and the texture you achieved. Thanks so much for sharing with us at CC3C!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous LOVE the colours and also the leaves are amazing :)
hugs me x

Marjie Kemper said...

I'm so late to the party here…. but wanted to say WOW this is one gorgeous tag, Alison. I just love how you did the lettering to make that sentiment POP. Thanks for joining us at CC3C!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Your autumn tag is the perfect companion to Tim's summer one. I adore these leaves and can see why everyone thought they were real. They look so dried and crispy. Love this tag, the woodgrain background and how you got the greeting to pop. It is all just wonderful!!

Margaret said...

Oh...I LOVE this tag! Your leaves are gorgeous, and the ribbon is absolute perfection!! Loving the metal token too! Hooray for autumn!!