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...

Monday 1 December 2014

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas!

Hello all!  I've a mini-trio and a milestone for you today.  This is the 500th post here at Words and Pictures.  That seems worth celebrating, so how about a little butterfly giveaway

                                                                   UPDATE - The winner has now been drawn.
Thanks so much to everyone who joined in!

If you'd like to win this trio of ATCs (plus some of the little extras I can't help but include in a crafty envelope) just tell me so in your comment.  These have been created for Our Creative Corner's new challenge - more of that in a moment! - and now they could be yours.


So leave a comment saying if you'd like to go in the draw; I'll pop all the names into a hat and draw one out a week from today.  Hopefully, that means you would have them in time for Christmas.





Back to business!  You may already have caught my Nostalgic Christmas tag for the new Country View Challenges theme (the 499th post!), and now it's time to head over to Our Creative Corner.

I'm your host this month, and I'm looking for ATCs, ATBs and chunky ATCs.  That's right, it's time to Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas!  Hence my three winter festival creations here...











Once you're done with my trio, do head over to Our Creative Corner to see what my brilliant team-mates have created, and check out the rules and guidelines while you're over there.  You wouldn't want to miss your place in the prize draw, sponsored this month by Tando Creative.






Just in case anyone isn't already singing along, here's the divine Judy Garland to put you in the (slightly melancholy) mood.

I know I've linked to this before somewhere in those 500 posts, but it really is a strong contender for my favourite Christmas song (as opposed to Christmas carol - that race is much more competitive!) so I make no excuse for using it as the title and soundtrack to my whole challenge theme this month!





I started out with three of Tando's chipboard ATCs, thinking I'd like a fairly sturdy substrate in case things got heavy.  I started with some French Roast Fresco paint, a palette knife's worth of PaperArtsy Crackle Glaze and a coat of Chalk Fresco over the top.

Next up, some of the wonderful Artistic Outpost winter stamps (this is like my whole blogging life flashing before me... from DT to DT!), stamped in Potting Soil Archival ink.





I used a blending tool to apply more of the Potting Soil around the edges of the ATCs and then dipped them in UTEE.  I really loved the crystal glitter effect of the UTEE sitting there - yes, before I'd heated it! - so I immediately decided to go down a (for me) fairly unusual route and add some glitter.

The UTEE was already on there, so I had to melt that first.  Then I added some Ranger Sticky Embossing Powder over the top and scattered some of the Tim Holtz Rock Candy Dry Glitter onto it.







Generally, I'm happy to play with neutrals at Christmas, but somehow these weren't quite doing the job for me yet.  So, influenced by my recent workshops with Andy Skinner, I reached for the DecoArt Quinacridone Gold to add a rusty look.









On the ATC with the little cabin in the photo above, you can see the Rock Candy by itself, while on the fir trees I've already added the Quin Gold, seeping along the cracks.

I do like the combination of the rust colour with the crackled paint - it has that look of weathered paints tainted with iron oxide.










And I especially love it over the glitter.  The Quin Gold is translucent so you get to keep the shimmer.  Plus you get a really cool rusty texture.










I still wasn't quite happy, so I played around with washes of Raw Umber, Paynes Grey and Phthalo Turquoise until I got closer to the wintry look I wanted.














I'm very happy with the result - I think they have the look of paintings on old wooden panels, complete with the rusty nails to hold them in place.











Those rusty nail heads are created with one of Andy Skinner's magic recipes, and then punched out with a hole punch!













I did some shadowing around them, to make them look as though they've been there for years, rusting and tainting the "wood" around them.














I tore some pieces of Maja Designs It's Christmas Time paper, and added those, inked with Walnut Stain Distress Ink, as well as some baby pinecones and my favourite little wooden stars.












Nearly there... what else?  Ah... white splatter of course!  Yes, that's more like it.  And as I was splattering, I decided the pinecones and the stars needed to be properly snow-covered while I was at it.










So you have the stream running through the frozen woods...














... the tips of the pine trees in the thickest part of the forest...











... and the little house where, despite the deep snow and freezing temperatures, they will be keeping Christmas with warm hearts.









Oops... was that a touch of sentimentality there?  Sorry - it must be the half-millennium creeping up on me.

The 500th post seems a good time to say a huge and heartfelt thank you for the extraordinary generosity and warmth I've found here in Craftyblogland, not to mention the astounding inspiration available at the touch of a keyboard.








Giving away this ATC trio - plus some bits and bobs to go with it - is just a small token of my immense gratitude.  Do remember to say in your comment if you'd like to be included in the draw.  And yes, I will post to anywhere...

And once you've done that, hop over to Our Creative Corner and be blown away by lots of tiny festive creations from my team-mates.  We hope you'll have time to join us this month, with just a tiny ATC or ATB offering and Have Yourself A Merry LITTLE Christmas!










Thanks so much for stopping by today, and for all the amazing comments and feedback here at Words and Pictures over the last 500 posts. The journey would be a fraction of what it is if it weren't for all of you.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas, 
Let your heart be light.
Next year all our troubles will be out of sight.
From the song by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane










(Oh, and do check out my Country View Challenges tag too, if you've still got a taste for festive sentiment and nostalgia... Compliments of the Season to you!)

Happy Crafting all!

68 comments:

froebelsternchen said...

Amazing Alison!

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

Oh My Goodness Alison.Your ATC's celebrate a Christmas that is diametrically opposite to that of Australia.
The snowy scenes with the aged and worn look are perfect.
I would love to win this trio of Butterfly Gorgeous!
Congratulations on your 500th post and here's to 500 more!

chrissie said...

Beautiful set of ATCs with wonderful textures and original ideas.

Love Chrissie x

brenda said...

Stunning ATC's Alison and you have me wanting to get inky today and do some crackle backgrounds, it's been ages.

B x

Netty said...

wow, a no brainer, of course I would love to win these little beauties.
Annette x

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

Claudia N. said...

Wow! Yes - the quinacridone gold definitely makes a difference. I liked your ATCs already before, but it really gives them that Wow-factor!

Love your wintery ATCs with the hint of bling and the warmth they spread! Very beautiful!

Hugs,
Claudia x

Astrid Maclean said...

Wonderful little set Alison, love the neutral tones and the old wood effect looks amazing!

Astrid Maclean said...

Ops, forgot to say, yes please put me in your "hat" and big congrats on 500 posts!!!

Chloe's Nan said...

These are wonderful Alison! Loving the vintage crackled effect and the touch of bling. I have completely lost my mojo recently as I am waiting to move and most of my stash is packed :( so no hand made Christmas cards from me this year. Still, I have a new house to look forward to in the New Year!
Congrats on the big 500! x

Hettie said...

These are absolutely beautiful Alison and yes please...I would love to go in your drawer. Well done on 500 posts!
Hugs
xx

Inky and Quirky Designs said...

Wow,more wonderful creations Alison,the textures are amazing.
Congrats on your 500th post....they have all been very inspiring too.

Of course enter me into the draw,who wouldn't want this lushness in their house?!
Big hugs
Donna xxx

Nan G said...

Wow! Wow!Wow! Fabulous little gems, butterfly! I would be honored to win these. So yes please add my name to the pot. Hugs

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

What a great grungy effects Allison!!! The cards really look fab!!
Greetings, Alie :-)

Nikki Acton said...

Who would not want these Alison - yes please do put me in the draw!
These really are fantastic - they look so authentic. Nikkixx

Kay Wallace said...

What a beautiful triptych of winter art, Alison! I have been creating, swapping and hoarding ATCs for years, so this post is of particular interest to me. The crackle finish just adds so my to these lovlies! Well done, my friend! Very well done!

pearshapedcrafting said...

Wintery lusciousness indeed! Crackle and glitter-perfect! Well done to you too for your inspiring posts on your way to 500! Since I'm still enjoying the goodies from my win earlier this year please leave me out this time! Big hugs, Chrisx

Cocofolies said...

wow, this trio is so magical, simply amazing!!... I love the little Christmas scenes you have built, they form a delightful whole winter scene. Of course I would love to have them in front of me on my chest of drawers Alison, they would be treasured like my best pieces. So yes pls!!! and congrats for your 500th message (I've only 403 lol) Hugs Coco xxx

Dorthe said...

500 posts , oh my , CONGRATULATIONS ,dear Alison,- I think I have read and seen most of them, and been blown away of your fantastic creations, with every post.
Your beautiful trio of woodland ATC`s is holding the true spirit of christmas ,close to nature, and away from all stress.They are stunning, -I love everything,-the crackle,the snow and frosty glitter, the nature incluted and ofcourse the wonderful stamps you used.
YES, my dear, I would so love to winn these 3 artpieces of yours !
Hugs,Dorthe

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

I completely adore these! PINNED!!!

Kerstin F. said...

Gorgeous Alison, love the vintage look and great crackle effects. Kerstin

Claire said...

Congrats on your 500th post - a fantastic achievement! Your blog is always full of such inspiration and today is no different - this trio is so beautiful, I love the colours and that touch of rustiness! I would love to be in the pot to win them please! Claire X

Brenda Brown said...

These are gorgeous, wintry ATCs and yes please count me in, I'd love to win some of your amazing art. Congrats on your 500th post and here's to the next 500+.
hugs Brenda xx

Chrissy said...

Fantastic ATC's Alison.I love the rusty edges and the crackle and what fabulous images and details...superb.

luv CHRISSYxx

Helen said...

Congratulations on your half millennium, you look good on it... the atcs care beautiful, and YES please, I'd like to be in with a shout for these.

May said...

Congrats Alison on your 500th post...I adore these ATC's the images & crackle is perfect... I would love my name put in the hat....Hugs May x x

Redanne said...

I would never have thought to put glitter and rust together but they look fabulous together on your stunning ATCs. Congratulations on your 500th post too! Anne xx

Cestina said...

Please may I go in the pot too please? I think these are simply glorious....xx

Anonymous said...

Oh golly...yes please Alison...these are simply stunning! xxx

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Lovely Alison, love the warm muted tones and the lovely background. Gorgeous. Tracy x

Meggymay said...

Gorgeous pieces with you special touch, I would love the chance to see them up close and personal.
Yvonne x

Kirsten said...

Alison, they are stunning! I love the borders, the texture looks amazing. Congrats on your 500th post & oh yes, I would LOVE to win these ATCs!

Julia S-W said...

These are beautiful Alison and I love your tiny touch of glitter too - more of a sparkle than a glitter which is so much to my taste.The nail heads are a favourite effect and achieving the look of paintings on old wood is wonderful.
Julia xx

Julia said...

What beautiful Christmas ATCs these are with so much to look at on the little panels.
I would so love to win these ATCs.
Congratulations on you 500th post! 500 times you have brought inspiration and enjoyment to us.
Julia x

Linda S. said...

Yes please, Alison, I would love to be included in your draw for these gorgeous ATC's. As usual your work is outstanding, and you are always so generous with sharing exactly how you achieved any given look. In this post you have mentioned using some products that I have never heard of, so I'm off to see if I can track them down. Congratulations, and please, please, please, Keep Up The Good Work!!

massofhair said...

Sensational ATC's Alison and a great time to do a give away, you will make someone's day when their name is pulled out of the hat!

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on your 500th post, hete's to many more:-) xxx

Almo said...

Absolutely beautiful trio Alison I so love the frosty look. I too would love to be entered into your draw to win these beauties. 'Congratulations' 500 sensational posts such a lot of inspiration for us all to enjoy. Mo xx

Karin said...

fabulous Christmas ATC's, great texture! Groetjes Karin

Jackie PN said...

Alison! these atc's are just amazing!!I love all that cracked and rustic look that you achieved! love love love them!
Happy 300th post to you! That also is just amazing! well done my friend! xo

Terry said...

And who would not want a chance at those beautiful ATC's? Funny thing is that I have those stamps out and getting in the Christmas mood! Alison, I love these and all that gorgeous texture and I think you know how I feel about the stamps! Hugs!

Ellie Knol said...

They are so amazingly beautiful!

sally said...

Oh my what a beautiful set! I'd love to call them mine :-)

Super snowy sights to gladden the eye :-)

Sally

Sue said...

Congratulations on your 500th post Alison. These ATC's are wonderful, and I really like your glittery rust, and would love to go in the draw for these xx

Shirley said...

Such a perfect time to come calling Alison when it's your half a millennium posting (sounds better than 500 but not sure it's right lol)

Me, me, me into the draw please as these are just stunning and yummy ATC,s. If I don't win how about a swap anyways??

Been MIA for a while so doing a quick run to see all that I have been missing. Oh and thank you for your lovely comments whilst away. So very much appreciated.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

CraftyViolet said...

These are the types of things I love to make. Awesome. Please enter me into the draw if you ship to Canada.....which is not as expensive as a lot of the stores think or charge. My last order had shipping at $13.95 and the actual U.S. Postal cost: $2.95
Nuff said!

cathylynn said...

Congrats to 500 posts. That's a lot of creativity. This trio of ATC tags are scrumptious!!! Love the vintage look and you did a fabulous job. I'd love to have a chance to win these!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

maria's knutselplezier said...

Wow these cards are wonderful, I really love them , great structure did you create,super!!!

Greetings
Maria

Lisa Minckler said...

Rusty nails??? Do I really need to say more? Those look amazing and really are the perfect touch to your wonderfully crafted cracked wood backgrounds. Your ATC's are magical in their story and appearance and I just love seeing the process unfold. What a wonderful way to spend the wee hours of the morning on your blog. Thanks for all the inspiration and congratulations on your 500th post Alison.
Hugs,
Lisa x

Julie Lee said...

Phew and Wow! Sorry I'm a bit late to the party! The Christmas rush seems to have started already! However, now I'm at W and P, a mood of serenity and peace seems to have descended with the gentle and silent falling snowflakes! I love Judy singing that song in 'Meet me in St Louis' - one of my all time favourite, utterly indulgent and sentimental films. Her voice just breaks my heart every time! These are such original and beautiful ATCs, Alison. I would love to go in the draw. Congrats on all those inspirational posts and may you have many more! xxx

Unknown said...

YAY!! Way To Go, Alison!! Congrats on this being your 500th blog posting--WOW!! Well, of course I'd love to win this trio of ATC's from my FAVORITE vintage Goddess :) :) Count me in the drawing, please :) How generous of you to turn your milestone into give-away for your readers :)
Now, on to these gorgeous little rustic ATC's! These are lovely, Alison. Love the crackly background and the rusty nail heads and the glittery edging--OH and those REAL pinecones!! LOVE them--they are so cute and the perfect embellishment for these tiny wintery scenes :) These are wonderful creations for OCC :)
XOXO-Shari

Neet said...

Oh Alison - count me in please. These are wonderful. I just love the crackle and the image that goes so well with the crackle.
I am so sorry I have not been visiting, I never seem to have time to blog hop these days but I am hoping to at least start to visit some favourite artists if nothing else in the new year.
Must now do a trawl and see what I have missed, so glad you called in to see me and prompted me to come along. Love these atc's so much.
Hugs, Neet xxx

Pamellia said...

Wow, these are just incredible! Your background texture is absolutely amazing and the colour palette is perfectly rustic for the texture and images you used! Love the splashes of white, so wintery, wow! These are very inspiring in every way! hugs :)

Linda49 said...

These are beautiful. Thank You.

Deb said...

Love the rustic, weathered feel of these beautiful ATC's, thank you so much for the opportunity to win them! Merry Christmas to you and yours, Deb

sam21ski said...

Your crackle looks ace and with the addition of the quin gold which makes fantastic rust, they look absolutely stunning xxx

Unknown said...

Alison, these are to die for! Love all the texture! I would LOVE to have these! Gorgeous work. I finally found a moment to visit and am I glad I did! Your tag in the previous post is stunning.. gorgeous elements.. You are so talented. i feel inspired every time I visit! Thanks xxx

Mona Pendleton said...

Beautiful collection of ATC's Alison! Love the crackled background and winter wonderland scene! Thanks for the continuous inspiration!

Unknown said...

WOW Allison, these are so pretty and so very wintery... love the effects you have gotten with the OLD wood and the OLD nails, just all perfect... and the real pinecones... so very cute.... Just LOVE these... each and every part of them... cute. Glad you had a great trip and got to see the BIG APPLE... and now back to 'normal' ???? I personally am still trying to find that 'normal' space in my life.. LOL.
Love, Light and Peace..

Julia said...

Perfectly gorgeous, I love the neutrals for Christmas, especially the log cabin, being in Kentucky. Crackle is wonderful on these ATC's. Love to win these.

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

Such beautiful sepia tones and I LOVE the stamping over the crackle. Very very cool. A totally lovely trio!

Hugs
Linda

Kelly said...

Alison I love your commentary. I imagine the scenes as you talk through each one and it being created on the plaque. Beautiful colors and the crackle and nature embellishments are so perfect. Love them. Also congrats on your 500th Post, 500 perfectly written and inspiring blog posts for us, that is quite something!
Hugs Kelly

Chris said...

Hi Alison and what a treat to see your gorgeous ATCs, I love all the texture and rusty distressing that's perfect for a winter scene. congrats on 500 posts, doesn't time fly. If I'm not back before have a lovely time at Christmas. Chris x

Etsuko said...

Brilliant ATCs Alison and congrats to 500 posts.
I love the stamping onto the beautiful crackle and glitter of ice xxx

Candy C said...

Alison .... Your trio of ATCs are simply stunning! Each is a little work of art and anyone would be fortunate to win them. Congratulations on your 500th blog post! That is a lot of art and photos and instructions and time that you have invested!! Huge congrats and thank you's for all of the uplifting comments you have left for me over the years. <3 Candy

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Gorgeous ATCs who wouldn't love to win these I know I would love to have them.
Happy crafting, Angela x

Deborah Wainwright said...

Stunning Alison as always. Your work is inspirational. Big congrats on 500 posts too. I know I'm too late for the giveaway which by the way is very generous, but still needed to comment. Good luck everyone,
Alison Thank you for all lovely comments on my blog.
Debsxx

Mrs.B said...

Hi Alison, playing catch up after my hols - Congrats on the 500+ followers.
Avril xx

Paper Profusion said...

These are sooo beautiful Alison - LOVE your trademark style! Nicola x

Kezzy said...

Wow rusty christmas, oh yes loving it. I so love these ATC's, so rustic but still soft with the winter feel. The edges look so gorgeous. I have to admit I have tried with Fresco brown shed but I think I will have to end up buying the decoart to really get the look I want. Stunning. Kezzy :-) xxx