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 4 February 2015

Shiny New PaperArtsy Eclectica Stamps!

Hello everyone!  Well, I promised you more PaperArtsy treats after the New Paints release on Sunday (glad you liked my glass bottles!).  I hope you've been enjoying all the releases over at the PaperArtsy blog this week.  We've already seen new stamps from Lin Brown and from JOFY, and it's time for an Eclectica trio tonight.

You'll find new Eclectica releases from Sara Naumann, Elizabeth Borer and the fabulous Darcy over at PaperArtsy this evening, along with lots of projects created to show them off.  And remember... all new PaperArtsy products are available now from your favourite PaperArtsy stockist.

I'm on Team Darcy and I'm here to share the samples I created using just some of those fab new Eclectica EDY plates.  You might like to check out Leandra's video sharing Darcy's whole release.



I won't show you the stamp images, you can see all those over at PaperArtsy, but I was playing with EDY11 and EDY14 as well as minis EM11 and EM14 too.  Here's a quick look at all my samples, and there are a few close-ups and how-to details down below.  





I got into a whole glossy vs rough kraft vibe... and of course there are my omnipresent book pages involved too.

There's a large plaque layering glossy colour over "naked" kraft... 














A jumbo tag with a trio of ATC-sized cash envelopes...













I couldn't resist a touch of the old candle-jar magic....












There's this perky little fella sitting proudly on his very own ATC...

















And a final jumbo tag working the glossy colour vs naked stamping look.










Obviously, the techniques are pretty similar across the board.

Darcy suggested a colour palette for the team, and while I was delighted to see these much-loved favourites in the list...









... these others caused a slightly wary intake of breath!

But in the end, I really loved taking that step outside my comfort zone, and creating something a bit different for me.  It's nice to find new pleasures!












I started by cutting up lots of the partial book pages left over from my candle book last month and applying them in strips to various krafty substrates - old packaging, the cash envelopes (last used on last year's Darcy samples - must be some kind of link in my head!).  Some I covered partially and some completely.









For the large plaque, I "watercoloured" my central panel, using washes of the blues and greens, and created the jagged bookpage borders for the background panels.













Since I (slightly strangely) don't have a stamp positioner, I had to do lots of very careful stamping and re-stamping of these flowers from EDY11 on the two panels.

I wanted to create the illusion that the images were spilling over the edges, draining of colour as they went.








I was so thrilled with how well I'd managed to line everything up successfully (on four edges, no less), and then I managed to glue it down a millimetre out of place.

I was very cross with myself, but it was too late.  Not an easy moment to embrace imperfection!!











I edged the panels with black and did some penwork around the book pages for more definition.











I just love this sentiment from EDY11...













And to finish off I gave the coloured panel a good dose of Gloss Glaze.

This will not only protect it on its travels (I hope you'll see some of these up on walls at shows and trade fairs over the coming months), but completes the contrast I was after between the shiny colourful areas and the rough natural look.










The little owl (mini EM14) is stamped on book paper and painted.  He then got a coat of Gloss Glaze too, and I fussy cut him and backed him onto stronger card before mounting him on his ATC base.











I love the glow of the translucent colours, and I clear-embossed the sentiment over the black ink.  This gives dimension and a hint of shine to match the gleam of the owl in the sunlight.










For the candle jar, I sponged the paint directly onto the glass, having blended each colour first wit some Satin Glaze to help it adhere.

I stamped over the top using Staz-On in Forest Green, and "coloured in" the images with my paints.  I think over the paint I would've been fine using one of my usual Archival inks, but I didn't have time for a re-do, so I thought I'd go for the safer multi-surface option.










Not all the stamping was perfect, but I quite like the added quirkiness to some of these flowers!










And, as usual, there are two very different looks - opaque in the sunlight...

... or with the glow coming from within.












I love the spiky, jagged alien look of the flowers from EDY14 used on this jumbo tag.












And then you get these cute little "Easter eggs" too.  Or maybe they're going to hatch little aliens and take over the planet... you never know with Darcy!






You'll have seen these little fellas used as tiny trees in one of Darcy's sneak peeks.  For me they're doing duty as leaves on one of my long elegant stems.












Again, all the flowers got a Gloss Glaze finish to really make them glow.













And the sentiment is stamped in black and clear-embossed (unlike the kraft alien eggs, which got left completely "naked").









Finally, my cash envelopes.  You can get these at a pound store - hundreds in a packet - and they're almost exactly ATC sized, making them a nicely quirky option as a substrate.  

And yes, it's probably that word quirky that makes them spring to mind when I'm working with Darcy's stamps!!








I was a bit naughty and left the pinks out on a couple of these creations, so this one makes up for that a bit, with them playing a far more prominent part.

I used book pages on the envelope flaps as well as to create the ground for my flowers (a combination of EDY11, EDY14 and mini EM11 images).











And I layered the trio over a blue-green washed book page background, with a nice sharp black border to finish it off, and tie it in with the rest of the samples.







Do hop over to PaperArtsy where you can see all of the new Eclectica Darcy stamps, and more samples created by members of the PA Crew, as well as by Darcy herself.  And, as I said, it's not only Darcy this evening.  Watch out for new releases from two more designers too... are we spoiling you, or what?!  

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I'll be back in a couple of days with more treats, and I'll hope to see you then.

We keep moving forwards, opening new doors, and trying new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.
Walt Disney

40 comments:

Darcy Marshall said...

woohoo *waves* thankyou Alison for such gorgeous, bright and funky samples. Such a pleasure to have you on my team. xxx

Julie Lee said...

Alison you have created magic with these imaginative stamps and vivid colours! Where do I begin? The illuminated jar is so special and I love the little wage packets. I used to collect these from my students and then decorate them! Electronic transfer means no more wage envelopes for me; I must buy some! Fabulous post! Congratulations on making these lovely designs live so vibrantly!!! xxx

Amanda said...

Alison these are all brilliant, some great makes with some great stamps, love them all
Love
Amanda x

Redanne said...

I have been watching the videos and Darcy's stamps are wonderful - you really have brought them to life with your fun and funky makes. The book page elements are such a clever idea (and so very you) but the little owl has completely stolen my heart, he is now a must have! Anne xx

Fliss said...

An absolutely stunning array of beautiful creations Alison and it looks like I have quite a few additions to my wish list now as the images are all fabulous.
Fliss xx

Claire said...

Amazing samples! You've really done Darcy proud, all are beautiful but I'm very drawn to the little envelopes sample, I just love it! Can't wait for my new PA supplies to arrive X

Art By Wanda said...

Alison, all your projects are fabulous!!! I really like your combining of kraft and gloss!!!

Jenny Marples said...

Loving these quirky, colourful samples! Jenny x

Helen said...

You totally rocked your colour palette, and the new stamps look fantastic, I love how you've used them - have several of them on my wish list now!

Unknown said...

Fantastic work, Alison! Love the jar! So creative xx

Meggymay said...

Wow, amazing eye candy with all these fabulous projects. Loved the jars, how good these will look to cheer up a dull day.
Yvonne xx

Astrid Maclean said...

Wow, this is a bit different.... , never have guessed that was your work! Well done for jumping right in there with a totally different style!

Unknown said...

I love so love quirky stamps! I will have to check these out. Those lovely bright colours on the text background really pop, this looks like a great little creative project to get mojo flowing xx

Julia said...

A fabulous set of new Darcy stamps and what a great collection of samples. The book page border on Kraft card is so good with the coloured images. I love all of these.

Chrissy said...

Sensational Alison..all your projects are stunning..love the colours and glossiness and love the little jar with the light..fantastic stamps..will check out the video after I comment..brilliant work.

luv CHRISSYxx

Nan G said...

I'm loving the PA releases! Your makes are so fabulous! Love love the jars! I'm off to catch up on all you've been posting. Hugs

Jane said...

Fabulous work and such bold bright designs x

chrissie said...

Wow Alison you have been busy. I love all of the things you made and especially the altered cash envelopes. Brillinat ideas.

Have a great day

Love Chrissie

Deborah said...

Wowser, Alison! That's a fantastic colourful collection of crafty goodness. I love them all, but especially your candle jars.

craftimamma said...

Absolutely brilliant creations which showcase Darcy's fab new stamps to perfection Alison! I love them all and btw as the saying goes 'A blind man would be glad to see' the tiny bit of misplacement. The gloss glaze added to the coloured areas is wonderful. Well done to you & Team Darcy.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Anneke said...

Beautiful work. It must have taken you allot of time making.
But also you blogpost must have taken allot of time.
I really love this blogpost. Your work looks wonderful and
Inspiring. Thanks Anneke.

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

You show the stamps in a great way Alison...the creations look very attractive!!
Gorgeous artwork again...
Greetings, Alie :-)

Ibarra Creations 4U said...

Gorgeous work and great inspirations!!!!

ElizabethR said...

Oooooo gorgeous I am drooling!!!!!!!!!! Love those stamps and what you have created with them, Elizabeth xxx

Jackie PN said...

Gorgeous selection of colors to highlight those new stamps Alison!! I love that sweet owl! Well done xoxo

Cocofolies said...

I simply LOVE your samples Alison!! Great use of the pink and orange colours by delicate touches, everything is gorgeous. And I also LOVE the new stamps by Darcy! You have made a great job for her as usual. Coco xx

Dorthe said...

What a lot of colourful and fun ,quirky pieces you created, dear Alison.
I kind of love the reddish tones, too and how you used them !! The sentiments are beautiful, and looks wonderful with your clear embossing !!
Snow Hugs from me, Dorthe

Maggie said...

Fabulous projects Allison I'm really liking the new stamps and you have supplied lots of inspiration, love the shined and Kraft combo and your jars are gorgeous will have to try this myself - note to self save jars lol.
MaggieH

craftytrog said...

You can't beat a bit of kraft and book paper! Gorgeous colourful projects Alison! xxx

sally said...

What a fun time everyone seems to have been having with the new stamps, love your little owl!

Sally

Juliz Design Post said...

An inspirational post. The new stamps look great.
Julie x

Ana K. said...

Wow so much to look at and so much to learn...thank you Alison for sharing steps with us!

Kelly said...

LOVE everything in this post! Gorgeous and jaw dropping artwork!
Hugs Kelly

Unknown said...

WOW, Alison!! These are Wonderful creations!! LOVE all of the fun, bright colors you're using!! You've stepped outside your comfort zone with these new PA paints spectacularly!! OH--and the stamp positioner...I've got one and use it every so often, but even with that do-dad, I still can't stamp straight!! LOL!! :) XOXO-Shari

Cestina said...

Love the wol; hope to meet him again somewhere. And those are very nearly Amanita Muscaria aren't they? ;-)
xxx

cathylynn said...

Brilliant Alison! Each creation is pure delight! You did an outstanding job!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Sue said...

Really fabulous Alison, this may not be your usual colour palate but you've really gone to town with it xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

Fabulous Alison! The stamps look such fun and can see them heading this way soon! Love the little owl but must say your jar is the the star of this post! Chrisx

Kezzy said...

Oh wow wow wow you have used Darcy's stamps so well, I have one set at present. I love all your creations each one is stunning and wow I love the large tag with ATC size envelops. It has given me an idea on how I could keep my ATC's I receive. And yes I can imagine when you saw those other colours, how much you panicked lol. Happy Art :-) Kezzy xxx

Mary Elizabeth said...

I am LOve what you did with Darcy's color suggestions. You took a giant leap out of your comfort zone and won a gold medal for it!!! I love each of these pieces individually; but, the sum total makes me want to throw a party. They are spectacular! I love the borders you made with print. And that piece with the colored stamped images are pasted over the black stamped images (sans color) is such a creative idea. (I didn't notice it was a mm off until you mentioned it. I bet you were livid. But even with the imperfection, it's my favorite.) -- ME