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, 19 August 2014

Missing you...

It's true... I am.  I'm missing being able to visit regularly and see all the marvellous things going on in Craftyblogland - though I did manage something of a catch up over the weekend.  But the countdown is well and truly on now, and pretty soon I hope to be sending postcards from New York.

In the meantime, we're having a bit of a Magpie Day over at Country View Challenges - with lots of postcard inspiration for you (postcards you might write from the beach, for instance!).  Here's mine to get you started...  UPDATE - Oops - I delivered mine early! My team-mates won't be sending theirs for another few days yet... Apologies all!!  I knew something would get messed up in the madness here…

UPDATE TWO - But now, at last, it's the right mailing day, and you can see my team-mates' fantastic postcards here!!


My team-mates have made some wonderful postcard-themed creations - and many of them have lovely words at the heart of them, so you could also count it as extra inspiration for the WordPlay challenge theme this month!





The Tim Holtz PostCard header was in one of the first stamp sets I bought when this whole thing kicked off two and a half years ago.

I should use it more often... it always gives me such pleasure when I do!  It's stamped in Jet Black Archival, and I drew the dividing line with a PITT pen.








I'm also a little bit stuck on the meadow grasses from the Spring Sprung stamp set, as you'll know if you saw my Busy Bee tag the other day.

This time they have a more autumnal look - stamped in Rusty Hinge, Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain, applied direct to the stamp in "stripes" from top to bottom.





I used a photo cut from one of the Tim Holtz paper stacks, and a tag from a Prima set of ephemera.

Once I'd distressed and inked the edges, I layered them up to one side of my postcard.








The typical postcard greeting is from the Simple Sayings stamp set and, coupled with all these rusty fall colours, it's not just been put down without thought.  Somebody is definitely really missing someone!

It's mounted on padded tape so that it stands proud of the other layered elements.









The rusty heart is another sign of the heartache present here, and the cogs and gears churning away to keep things ticking over while the lovers are apart.





Over at the other side, the Lincoln stamp comes from the Idea-ology Ephemera packs, and some more cogs are working hard to bring our writer back together with the recipient.  And which direction are we going in?  Well, towards our heart's desire of course.

So that's my vintage postcard for you today.  Thanks so much for stopping by... the cogs are turning and the countdown is on, and once I've made it safely to the US, I hope to get back to visiting more regularly.

And don't forget you can now see some more fantastic postcards over at Country View Challenges Magpie Day!







No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth.
Robert Southey

Ingredients available at Country View Crafts:
Tim Holtz stamp sets - Spring Sprung and Simple Sayings
Idea-ology Ephemera Pack - Expedition
Idea-ology 8x8 Paper Stash - Menagerie
Idea-ology - Compass Coins
Idea-ology - Sprocket Gears
Distress Inks - Rusty Hinge, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Walnut Stain
Archival Ink - Jet Black
From my stash - Tim Holtz Postcards stamps, Prima tag, textured card, padded tape, rusty heart

58 comments:

Sue Marrazzo Fine Art said...

So cool! I like the Lincoln stamp!

Helen said...

Love the post card (the postman might not be so happy)- hope she is reunited with her love soon. The spring sprung 'greenery' looks great in those colours!

Looking forward to hearing all about New York.

Clare Lloyd said...

Gorgeous postcard. Safe journey. X

sally said...

Love your postcard! Look forward to your travels & realpolitik all the rewards that it will bring, I know I'm looking forward to reading all about them. Safe travels....

Sally

Amanda said...

Fabulous postcard and I love your narrative that supports it, love how you bring what you make alive.
Love
Amanda x

chrissie said...

Wonderful postcard ideas Alison and a great post as always with the matching quote.

Always nice to have you visit my blog but not essential at all. I know my thoughts will be there with you in your busy life and I'll enjoy whatever you manage to post on your blog.

Hope there is time for fun along the way

Love Chrissie x

Astrid Maclean said...

Wonderful postcard Alison and I echo Chrissie's words above!Love how you drew the line with the Pittpen, makes it look so cool!

Have the most fabulous time and I hope you have my address for a postcard from the big apple lol!!

brenda said...

Morning Alison,

Back from hols and playing catch up and your wonderful piece of sepia toned artwork makes a wonderful start to the day.

Enjoy NY.

B x

Shirley said...

Such a wonderful inspirational postcard Alison. I have only recently acquired this stamp and it has hardly seen the light of day. Note to self (must get it out and use)!!!

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

Nikki Acton said...

Even when busy you knock out fabulous projects! Missing you too Alison but look forward to hearing about your,exciting NY adventures! Nikki xx

Netty said...

Fab stamping and fab postcard Alison love the map tucked away, great idea. Take care of yourself, hugs Annette x

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

Von said...

Wonderful postcard Alison :)
Von ♥

Jenny Marples said...

A beautiful postcard with that distinctive 'Butterfly' style quite literally stamped all over it. Have a brilliant time in NY and send hugs to those you are lucky enough to meet up with on your travels. Jenny x

Anonymous said...

This is gorgeous Alison, I love that old photo, looks like my mum! Lol!
Thanks for all the comments you left on my blog, so kind of you to visit when time is short.
Wishing you safe & happy travels,
Alison xxx

Evelyn Walter said...

Stunning as usual, dear Alison! Thank you for your kind comment even in this busy time <3! I wish you the most wonderful time in the big city, enjoy everything!!! Hope to hear some news!
xxx Evelyn

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

How clever, all this mixed media, is now a postcard, that looks stunning Alison!
Greetings, Alie :-)

Lys said...

A beautiful card you made here! I espacially love the stamped colour background.
Have a safe trip to New york, and I long to read your new postcards from there!

Kath Stewart said...

fabulous project as always...have a great time in NYC...my favourite favourite city in the whole wide world...safe travels...hugs kath xxx

May said...

Fabulous creation Alison, Love the stamping & elements...Have a fantastic time in New York....Hugs May x x

Jennie Atkinson said...

A fabulous postcard Alison - you gave me a minor panic there as I thought I had missed it!

Have a wonderful time in NY - it is on my bucket list of things to do before …… xx

Inky and Quirky Designs said...

Wonderful creation,Alison. I love the sepia tones that you do so well :)

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment on all my posts,Alison. I will really miss all your lovely work but am so excited for your NY adventure....just think of all the yummy craft shops you will be near over there too :)

Big hugs
Donna xx

Meggymay said...

Fabulous postcard, it has your special touch. Thank you for stopping by my blog in these busy times, I echo what Chrissie and Astrid said earlier.
Hope you manage to get some fun and 'me' time as well.
Yvonne

cathylynn said...

Hey Alison this is one fantastic postcard that is totally gorgeous! Great stamps and colors make for total yumminess!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Dianne said...

I have to say I fall in love with all you create, the postcard is just gorgeous, I too looooooove those meadow grasses, how gorgeous are they in the rusty hinge, and always perfectly embellished, I wish you a FANTASTIC time in New York, what ever work you do will be outstanding I'm sure, just have fun and know we will all miss you greatly. ((( HUGE HUGSSSSSSS )))...

Ana K. said...

Gorgeous mixed media postcard, Alison!

Jackie PN said...

What a fabulous card! I love those grasses you use and that photo is just the best!! xoxox

Mary Elizabeth said...

Alison!! I so love this. What an incredible postcard. It seriously looks like it has survive years in someone's attic. And that vintage photo ... perfect. Love the stamps. Off to pin!!

Still seeing if I can make arrangements to get up to NY a little early for my appt. Would love to catch the play at the beginning of November while you are still there. -- Mary Elizabeth

Kay Wallace said...

A postcard from you was a complete surprise today, Allison! I absolutely love the vintage theme, with its special color palette. The details you have added, including that awesome photo, are perfect touches for this postcard. Very well done!

Cocofolies said...

Trying to do a bit of catch-up too (I'm very busy this week with furniture renovation and painting!) and starting with your blog Alison.. We will miss you SO MUCH..
This postcard is really beautiful, I love these wild grasses stamped in various autumnal shades!! Hugs, Coco xxx

Kjersti said...

Who wouldn´t love to receive a postcard like yours Alison! It is lovely, beautiful autumn colors and great embellishments!
Have a wonderful week!
Hugs:)

rachel said...

beautiful postcard Alison and all the better for me for being early! I hope that the madness gives way to a wonderful calm for your trip! Hugs Rachel x

sam21ski said...

Oooh loving this, fabulous xx

froebelsternchen said...

A fabulous project Alison ..GREAT!

Redanne said...

Thanks for giving us all a beautiful postcard Alison! lol. It is stunning, I love the beautiful stamped grasses and the ephemera that you have added....

I really do hope you enjoy your trip to NY and have a fabulous time at work and at play. I am sure you will make the most of every minute! Just enjoy the experience. Anne xx

Julie Lee said...

What a beautiful postcard! I love the grasses in that colour and the little vintage bits and pieces! Also it is really nice that your makes always have a tale to tell. Thank you for your kind visits over the weekend; it's always a treat when you drop in. I wish you a safe journey and a great time in New York. Julie Ann xxx

Gio said...

Your card is marvellous, Alison!

I' m so excited for you, it starts a new adventure, and it will only bring good things! Please don't apologize for anything and I hope to see artworks from you from NY!

pearshapedcrafting said...

A beautiful post card for moving forward! Have a great time in NY - silly me- of course you will! Hope you get plenty of relax time too! Safe journey, Chrisx

Hettie said...

This is beautiful Alison. Your colours and design are wonderful. The autumnal scene is quite appropriate for the current weather.
When those postcard stamps came out I was ordering from US so bought that same one as a wooden stamp as I knew it would be the only one I would use!! Great choice.
Have fun in NY. I will be asking questions when you are back!
Hugs
xx

massofhair said...

Have a perfectly splendid time in NYC, sounds exciting and glamorous but i imagine very hard but rewarding work.

I am always blessed by your visits and comments on my blog. Thank you for taking the time to comment, it is very very much appreciated.

A Postcard as beautiful as this is ArT at it's best for me. Thank you for your inspiration.

Safe & speedy Journey Alison, take care. Hugs:-) xxx

Unknown said...

Love this stamp and your project is wonderful Alison. xx

Sandy said...

Wonderfully designed and I .one the colors,
Sandy xx

Anonymous said...

Wonderful postcard. I love the stamped grasses & the heart is gorgeous.

Doreen said...

This is stunning Alison, I do hope you have wonderful experiences in New York.xxx

Juliz Design Post said...

Loving this so vintage.
Julie x

Deborah said...

What a wondeful vintage postcard, Alison! Mind you, I'd hate to see what Royal Mail would do to it if you posted it for real.

Unknown said...

What a fun vintage post card, Alison! It's like you gave us a sneak peek into what's to come over at Country View Challenges!
You're doing fantastically with all of your bts excitement--I'm excited for you!! Say HI to Marjie for me :) XOXO-Shari T.

Anonymous said...

A wonderful idea for a postcard theme. I like the colour palette and no wonder you made use of that image, it is fabulous and immediately conjures up various stories in my mind.
Wishes
Lynne

Paper Profusion said...

Beautiful Postcard Alison. Super choice and placement of all the perfect ingredients. Bon Voyage!!! Nicola x

Sue said...

Brilliant postcard Alison, I love the photograph and the Lincoln stamp. Safe travels xx

Silvia(Barnie) said...

That's a fabulous piece of art, great elements.

Terry said...

What a positively wonderful postcard, Alison! I love all the bits you added and the grassy background! Hugs!

Kelly said...

I love the postal card!! One of my favorite designs that you make! The rusty vintage look and a simple background with the old photograph, love it!! I also love your thoughts on what you create.
Hugs Kelly

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

What a beauty! Anyone would swoon to receive this! Gorgeous Alison!

Dorthe said...

I love your beautiful postcard, dear Alison,
and I have also missed visiting you and many others those last weeks!! I lost my mother last saturday evening, and we burried her 2 dayes ago,- it feels empty ,-and in getting a little back to life ,it is wonderful visiting my friends again.
Hugs,Dorthe

Mrs.B said...

A fabulous postcard, and anyone would love to receive this.
Avril xx

Julia said...

I just love this postcard, fabulous work.

Margaret said...

A trip to New York?! How exciting!

Your postcard is quite fitting and I love the meadow grass background! Hope to be visiting your blog on a more regular basis soon!

Kezzy said...

Wow really loving this awesome postcard, the neutral colours you do so well at and all of it looks gorgeous. Happy Creating :-) Kezzy xxx