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...

Thursday 12 January 2017

A Harlequin Infusion

Hello all!  I really don't like January... you have to take all the decorations down on the 6th, and there's the ever-present looming chore of the tax return, and all this grim, grey, damp weather.  Now is when we need the fairy lights to cheer us up!  Some crafting time also helps of course.  These pages came about because I needed to have a play with the PaperArtsy Infusions.


You'll have already seen from the sneak peeks at the PaperArtsy blog that there are some new Infusions colours coming, and Leandra wanted us to use them for samples of some of the new stamps (oooooh!).






Now I do have some Infusions, but I really haven't explored them much so, before the new stamps and the new powders arrived, I thought I'd better have a play with the ones I had to get some idea of how they and I would work together.










I used the Violet Storms Infusions for this layout, and started with the Harlequin stencil on some A4 card.  I've got no making-of photos, I'm afraid - I just set off to explore without really thinking there was any kind of project ahead.

But once I'd started, it seemed a waste not to use the results of my experiments.












Having shaken on some powders and spritzed water through at one side of the page, I flipped the stencil over and "printed" the surface inkiness onto the other half of the page.  This side has the original stencilling as its background...














... and this side is the flipped over print.  I pressed down some more of the extra ink on both halves to fill up the spaces around the 6x6 patterning made by the stencil.















There are still many book page tags left over from the excavated niche for my Hidden In A Book project from this time last year, so I grabbed some of those.














Some have been used to soak up excess inks at various points, so I layered up pairs of inky and non-inky tags on each half of the page.















And you'll see I did some white pen scribbling, from my story at the moment, as well as adding some fine twine through the tops. 













The Photobooth woman has been lying on the craft desk for months too - she somehow didn't make it back into the packet when I was clearing up.  Well, now she'll never get back into the packet... she has a story to tell.












Look at her eyes, full of intense excitement and determination, burning with what she wants to say.

Maybe some of her story is revealed in the book text, or just in the drifting autumnal colours of the whole spread.













I cut oodles of book page leaves for my best friend's wedding in November, some of which were scattered on tables, but some of which came home with me.













So now those leaves are making their way into projects and pages too.  I smooshed these in some Vintage Photo Distress Ink before glueing them down.

I only glued along the spines so that I could wrinkle up the edges for some dimensional movement.














The rings are cut with the Seth Apter Coffee Rings die, just out of white card.









I used a combination of the Violet Storms Infusions and Distress Inks in Hickory Smoke, Wilted Violet and Chipped Sapphire to create the shading around the rings which makes them pop that bit more.








I just put some of the powder and a scraping of each ink onto the craft mat and used a water brush to apply them.














There's also plenty of shading around the word stickers (these are from a sheet called Tiny Text by Cosmo Cricket - one of the unexpected discoveries as I sorted through the craft room before Christmas).













I've added Vintage Photo into the mix for this shading, picking up the autumnal tones of the leaves and book page tags.










There's some text stamping in the background - a Bo Bunny stamp I think.














I can't remember at what point in the process I cut the A4 page in half but, once I had, it was only a matter of time...













... before I decided that the 49&Market shabby stitching would be perfect to "attach" the pages into my kraft art journal.














Until I manage to make friends with a sewing machine, I'm just going to have to live with the stamped version of the stitching look I like so much!







So there you have it.  It was really useful to start to get the measure of the Infusions a bit, as I've now been immersed in sample-making with some of the new colours for the last few days.


The new PaperArtsy stamps I've been playing with have absolutely blown my socks off!  You'll see and hear more about that in about a week's time...

I'm hoping to squeeze in a retrospective of 2016 before then - anything rather than sit down and do my tax! - so perhaps I'll see you back here in a few days.  In the meantime, happy crafting all!

It's like everyone tells a story about themselves inside their own head. Always. All the time. That story makes you what you are. We build ourselves out of that story.
From The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss



I'd like to share this at Art Journal Journey where the theme for January is Tell Me A Story

With my Coffee Rings, I'll add this as another entry for Swirls, Whirls and Flourishes at Stamps and Stencils

And at Mixed Media Monthly they would like us to Put A Stencil On It


59 comments:

Amanda said...

Fabulous double spread piece it all looks fabulous
Love
Amanda x

Valerie-Jael said...

Your journal spread is wonderful, love the texture and the great details. The colours are fantastic, and the sewing adds more elements which really give it pizzazz.Thanks for joining us at AJJ. Hugs, Valerie

Corrie Herriman said...

This is a gorgeous spread. Love everything about it !
Corrie x

froebelsternchen said...

Wonderful pages Alison!
I always love your style and this is no exception! Great flair!
I am happy you linked it to Art Journal Journey, we always are so pleased when you do!
Thank you !
Best wishes from
Susi

Dorthe said...

Alison your pages are stunning, I love the Infusions and how you used them here, with other inks,-- they gives such beautiful shadows, too ,I think. Also love your layered tags, and the leaves from the wedding , a good idea to bring some home again, they should certainly not be wasted .The coffee circles are such wonderful eye-catchers, and brings my eyes, also, to the lovely woman.
Have fun with all the news coming, I think I might start saving a bit ,lol.
Hugs, Dorthe

My name is Erika. said...

This is another wonderful page. You make your piece feel so organic- like every piece belongs with the others. And I love your instructions too. You're good at breaking them down bit by bit. Thanks for joining us at AJJ again. Hugs-Erika

Helen said...

wow, Alison, what a great double spread! I love it. I like the look of the new infusions colours too, and am looking forward to getting hold of them!

Lauren Hatwell said...

Gorgeous! I do love a Harlequin pattern and you certainly know how to rock it. Once more, I salute you ;oD Lx

rachel said...

absolutely brilliant alison - I adore what you have done - your use of the infusions is wonderful and I particularly liked the stencil work you did - fabulous - gorgeous colour palette too - fabulous! Big hugs rachel x

MagsB said...

Wow, this is so gorgeous and inspiring!

love Mags B x

Nikki Acton said...

These are fabulous pages Alison. Like you have dabbled with infusions but that's all - you look like you have mastered them! Looking forward to seeing your PA designs next week. Love the stitch stamp - do you know if that is still available? xxx

Inky and Quirky Designs said...

Ooooh loving this one Alison, such perfection!
Hugs
Donna xx

Jane said...

What inky fun you had Alison. I love your pages. Beautiful! Xx

Meggymay said...

Its a gorgeous journal spread Alison. I real;y do love your colour combinations. At first I thought you had done the stitching on your pages, until I read more of the post and found it was a stamp. Its so realistic.
I'm looking forward to seeing how you use the new stamps from Paper Artsy, they look FAB.
Yvonne xx

Paper Profusion said...

Love how you have presented these Alison with both your words and pictures. I dont own any infusions but your results here are fab so I'll look forward to forthcoming samples and stamps reveal. The coffee rings are brilliant and the faux stitching looks pretty authentic so don't worry if you never hitch up with a real machine. Life's too short for threading bobbins! Nicola x

Redanne said...

Ah, the dreaded tax return...I remember them well. Your page is wonderful and you certainly have made great use of the Infusions. I love the book page leaves and those Seth circles look beautiful in white. Beautiful work, as always! Anne xx

selena said...

mAGNIFIQUES PAGES!

chrissie said...

A wonderful page spread Alison with your special colours combo that always works for you so well. Lots of stories to tell on the pages as well. The quote today is terrific and I have never read the book or heard of the author so must do something about that.

Good Luck with the tax returns and put the fairy lights back up if it adds sparkle to your January.:)

Love Chrissie xx

Anneke said...

Your page looks amazing! Love the craft with the white colors
and a little of the dark color. Thank you for showing your process
making these pages.

Lucy Edmondson said...

This is so gorgeous, alison! I love the mauvey blue with the vintage browns!

Lucy x

craftytrog said...

I love Infusions, and I love how you used them on this beautiful spread Alison! Aren't the new colours gorgeous?!

pearshapedcrafting said...

What a fabulous spread Alison! Looking forward to seeing what you made for your samples! The leaves and the harlequin background are fabulous! Hugs, Chrisx

pearshapedcrafting said...

What a fabulous spread Alison! Looking forward to seeing what you made for your samples! The leaves and the harlequin background are fabulous! Hugs, Chrisx

Candy C said...

Wow, Alison!! These pages are just gorgeous.

Krisha said...

Such yummy goodness on these pages!
It really doesn't matter what materials YOU use, your work is always fantastic.

Sandy said...

I see your are once again electing to use some circles in your art work. I love circles - how do you keep the infusion paints from bleeding when you go to add more layers?
My mind is still going in circles trying to grab some time to work in my art journal!
Sandy xx

Sandy said...

I have started watching some tutorials on YouTube using Paper Artsy infusions.
sandy xx

SewPaperPaint said...

As I read through every word of this story in art making, I got so tickled when you said, "I've added Vintage Journey into the mix for this shading, picking up the autumnal tones of the leaves and book page tags." because I know being a part of AVJ is easily confused with Vintage Photo Distress Ink! ROTFLOL! Oh sweetie, I love the thought you put into every small detail, all together making your work captivating and utterly gorgeous. Hugs, Autumn

Words and Pictures said...

That's very funny, Autumn - and I hadn't even noticed... I've edited it now, so anyone who comes visiting after this won't understand what we're on about!
Ax

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Gorgeous pages, and love the harlequin...a fav! Layers of wonderfulness and texture too...just super! Thanks so much for the kind words the other day too! I so appreciate you!!!

WendyK said...

Fabulous page Alison, just love the vintage colours and textures. I too have my tax to do, but it's much more fun looking at blogs.

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Lovely organic piece. Adore the combination of the textures, layers along with the circles and leaves. This looks so tactile. Hugs. Tracy x

maria's knutselplezier said...

What a very special , vintage page , great structure and beautiful details , I really admire your beautifull artwork dear Alison, thank you for your nice words on my blog too!!

Have fun!!
Maria

Jackie PN said...

Geesh Alison,
for a first time go, you really did a splendid job of this spread with the Infusions! I love that Violet Storm-one of my favorites! xx

Pamellia said...

Gorgeous page Alison! I love the combination of the harlequin in the background with the coffee spill rings on top! The touches of blue amid all the white and kraft are outstanding! Such a fabulous page with so many details! Happy weekend!

Let's Art Journal said...

Fantastic pages! I love how you created the layers of colour and textures, the vintage look and feel is beautiful! The photo of the girl is a great addition, there is something about her expression that draws you in to hear her story. Thanks for sharing your process and technique too, this is something I always enjoy reading. Have a lovely weekend! J :-)

Ruth said...

Love Violet storms and the Seth Apter circles have just gone on my list...another stunning spread..the harlequin stencil seems to be made for infusions..I'm excited too. Wonderful work Alison. Thanks for joining us with take 2 at stamps and stencils. Hugs Ruth xx

Lys said...

I love the great use of stencil and the layers of tags, and the book page leaves... in fact every detail of these beautiful pages, Alison!

Barbara said...

stunning project! Colors and textures are really amazing! I love all Seth's products and you have been able to use these dies in an exceptional way! BArbara

Julia said...

Oh my word, this is a stunning piece. I've not used infusions with a stencil, another lovely thing to try at some point. I also hate the January month but like you said, crafting time helps a lot. Sorry I have not dropped by recently to comment, I have been lost, I plan to improve in 2017 x

Flo Langley said...

What a fantastic project.
Hugs Flo x

Whimsytouches said...

This is very nice. A great idea making not just a layout, but a wall hanging using old photos.

Sue said...

These are gorgeous pages Alison, I'm like you, I have some Infusions but I've not really played with them yet. The violet looks lovely, and no-one would know that your stitching is stamped! Have an inky week xx

Anke said...

Wonderful pages, Alison. So lovely ...

Hugs
Anke

Kasia said...

Amazing pages, Alison! What a great background :)

Hazel Agnew said...

This made me smile because I also used this image a few days ago. Must have called to us. Considering that you haven't had much playtime with Infusions, this is pretty damn good! Xx

sarascloset said...

I have to say that while I love your inky background and it happens to be in my favorite colors (well they all are my favorite from time to time!), I adore those book page tags and leaves! I've been saving my book excavation pieces for ages, and I wonder where they are in this mess! Inspiring work, as always! You've got me curious about the infusions, and I reckon they might as well go on the list of wish I hads! Sending hugs!

sally said...

A delightful spread- your lady is looking a little sad to me but then that's how I am at the moment so maybe that's why....

Sally xx

Cocofolies said...

Gorgeous pages!!!
I love your choice of Infusions.. The delicate violet shades are exquisite! xx

Diana Taylor said...

Your pages are very beautiful and I love how you've worked so delicately with the new Infusions. I think I'm too heavy handed with them and find them difficult to handle quite often, but you've made me want to break open the pots again!
Thank you so much for your visit to my blog and kind comments. It wasn't a good start to the new year for us, and I'm sorry to hear you've had a lingering chesty cold - horrid isn't it - hope you are well on the mend now.
Diana x

experiments in paper said...

A bit late to the party, but just had to tell you how much I love this!! Fabulous undertones, and dimension, and love the cross pay between the circles and diamonds... fabulous! xxx Lynn

Anneke said...

I love your styl, it all fits together so well!
Your an artist, I really love the color use!
Beautiful all together!

Astrid Maclean said...

Don't know how I managed to miss this one, been a terrible blogger, that's why no doubt.... Anyway, a fabulous journal page! Love the combination of die cuts and stencils you used! And of course thanks so much for joining us on Mixed Media Monthly!

Seth said...

This is a stunner Alison. Love the layering that you did and your use of the soft colors. So organic.

rachel said...

so glad I got the chance to pop back for another look alison!Thanks for joining us at Stamps and stencils. Hugs rachel x

toni said...

Hi Alyson! This is a wonderful journal spread! I love your layers and textures all enhanced by your gorgeous colour palette. Thank you for sharing your work with us over at Stamps and Stencils. Toni x

SewPaperPaint said...

Biggest congratulations on being one of our top 3 at Stamps & Stencils! We are all so inspired by your work and appreciate you sharing with our challenge. Big hugs, Autumn

Brenda Brown said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous pages and layers. So much detail and fabulous colour palette, love these. Congratulations on being featured on Seth's blog with them xxx

Princess Judy Palmer said...

What awesome pages! I love the harlequin and the random rings together. Those book page leaves are the bomb!