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Thursday 11 July 2019

All about the background...

Hello all!  You've probably seen that there are some more new releases being announced every other night over at PaperArtsy.  Tuesday saw the launch of eight new minis by Seth Apter.  I was lucky enough to have them in hand, as I've been making some samples for the trade show stands.  Now that the stamps are on sale, I can share what I've been up to.  So today I'm starting with a trio of tags using these fantastic textural stamps, and there'll be more to follow.


The new minis are brilliantly grungy and perfect for layering into backgrounds.  Each of these tags uses a different one of the new stamps, and then the "toppings" are similar for each.







The middle tag had been hanging around on the craft table for ages, all nicely inky from some previous Oxide experimentation, so let's start there for today.

The first layers are smooshed variations on a Distress Ink/Distress Oxide themes.  I'm afraid I don't know the exact colour combinations any longer, but most of my usual favourites are in there.














I stamped EM44 in embossing ink a couple of times fairly centrally, and used Seth's Rustic Indigo embossing powder to bring it to life.
















It has a lovely glossy sheen and since the powder has variations in the granulation, it creates great texture.  And obviously embossing helps the stamp to stand out from the inky splotches too.
















Around the edges I added some partial stampings of the same stamp in brown.  I love the angular energy of it.















Obviously, given that the background stamps are pretty much the whole point of the samples, I didn't want to cover them up too much. 

I went with an Idea-ology Photobooth photo layered over a scrap of book text and some of my much-loved rusty mesh, all held together with a mini paper clip (also by Idea-ology).













The single word addition is from one of the recent Finnabair word pads - the Art Daily sentiments.  I gave it a smoosh of Antique Linen Distress Stain to soften the look a little.












Some simple twine finishes things off at the top, and this photo gives you another really good look at the cool industrial grunginess of EM44.











I think rather than create another mammoth blogpost, I'll leave it there for today, and I'll be back over the weekend with the details of the other pair.  Be sure to come back soon and check out the gleam of gold to be found in those grungy backgrounds!  Thanks so much for stopping by today, and have a great weekend when it comes.


I think that when you remember, remember, remember everything like that, you could go on until you remember what was there before you were in the world.
From War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

28 comments:

My name is Erika. said...

Those stamps work really well at making backgrounds. Yours are gorgeous Alison. Happy Thursday. Hugs-Erika

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Absolutely stunning, Alison. In addition to Seth's new stamps you used on this tag you spotlighted today, I was impressed with how you treated the bit of metal screen that you layered behind the focal image. I also loved how you used Seth's embossing powder. It's SO different, isn't it. You have truly done this example proud and I know that Seth and PaperArtsy are so pleased you represent them.

Valerie-Jael said...

Fabulous tags, love how you did the backgrounds, and the colours are perfect, too. Just came back from the art museum here, so had a nice time there! Hugs, Valerie

Patty O'Malley said...

Awesome tags, Alison!

Neet said...

The Rustic Indigo Embossing Powder has been sold to me. I love the look of it on your tag and can imagine with the different sizes of granules it is quite a bit different from what I have in my pots at the moment.
I also really like the stamps Seth has produced and which you have used here - perfect amount of grunginess - neither too much nor too little. Of course your choice of colour plays a big part in the beauty of the tags - can't wait for details of the other two.
Hugs, Neet xx

Mrs.B said...

The backgrounds of these tags looks fabulous and I do like the added texture the Indigo embossing powder gives on the Oxide base.
Avril xx

Helen said...

Love the samples! great idea to use Seth's EP - my minis arrived today (couldn't choose between them so got the lot) and I hope to play soon!

Jennie Atkinson said...

Fabulous use of Seth's stamps Alison - I love the Indigo Embossing. Just gorgeous! x

Craftyfield said...

Yes those stamps are fantastic for grungy backgrounds! Your tags look fabulous with all the embossing and layering. Can't wait for next episode… xx

Redanne said...

I have Seth's last mini release but you have now sold me on this new release too Alison, they are just so perfect for backgrounds as you rightly say. The tags you created are beautiful and the Indigo embossing powder looks pretty amazing! Anne xx

Diana Taylor said...

Ooh what gorgeous tags - the backgrounds are amazing and I love the effect you've achieved with the new stamps. The rusty mesh is just the perfect addition and the whole trio is beautifully 'you'!
Diana xx

Lucy Edmondson said...

These are beautiful, Alison. I love the blues and browns together x

craftytrog said...

Love your tag art Alison! x

experiments in paper said...

Lucious trio of tags here! YOu've put that wonderful grid stamp to such effective use, and the embossing just puts it over the top! I'm loving your backgrounds also - I need to play with the oxides more! That little word is just the right touch, and of course, I am taken with your skillful balance of blues, browns and gold! Lovely eye candy to start the weekend! Hope yours is fantastic - xxx Lynn

suzyb said...

Funny how rusty things have been in style for a very long time and now that the embossing powders are out, it's even easier to achieve that technique. Great tags Alison. Love the stamps and powders you used with the colour! Super dooper. :)

Mac Mable said...

Marvellous trio of tags full of texture, interest and wonderful layouts. Thank you for the step by step on tag number one x

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

I'll have to be on the look out for the minis! These samples are fabulous! The colors and layers along with the peeps are wonderful!

Anke said...

Wonderful tags, fantastic backgrounds.

Hugs
Anke

Margaret Mifsud said...

Your tags are stunning Alison! These stamps are amazing and I've popped them on my wish list. Love your choice of colour and the texture created with the embossing powders are just delicious!!! xx

Amanda said...

Don’t know how I missed these, with your latest 2 what a fabulous collection these will make on PA stand
Love
Amanda x

Marci said...

Wonderful tag!

Sue said...

This is just beautiful, the blues look amazing together and I LOVE the grungy stamps xx

Paper Profusion said...

With these at the trade stand the stamps should walk out the door! Terrific tags Alison illustrating how the stamps can be used to very best effect. Stunning! Nicola x

Cocofolies said...

I've managed to look at the new release by Seth, fantastic!! :D
Your samples are perfect, I love especially the second one, wonderful!!!
Hugs again, Coco xx

Roosterhead Designs said...

Hello Alison~
I took a peek at all the new mini's; wowzer! Isn't it amazing where the creativity in designing stamps is going?! Love their uniqueness and adaptability; very cool and versatile~
Your tags are amazing! Loving how you quietly integrated the stamps into the bkgd's; and the textures you created w/stamps, powder, and blended color.
The trio is all 'vintage cool' to me! Love your work~ Hugs, karen o

Dorthe said...

So very stunning dear Alison, beautiful with the embossed areas of the mini stamps, love that too , the mesh I always love when you use it , and the texts behind them catch my eye to turn them to the person placed on top.
They are gorgeous tags !! Thank you dear friend, also for your heart warming words on my last blogpost, I would hate seeing you leave here, too- but you are more sensible than me, not using time on fb or Instagram, as far as I know ! <3 xoxo
.

sarascloset said...

Beautiful samples! I love the colors and simple embellishments that show off those gorgeous textured backgrounds! Off to look at all of your other posts I've missed since leaving on vacation. You know it's always hard to catch up. But the catch up is delightful on your blog! Hugs!

Seth said...

What a trio. I absolutely love how you used the stamps in the background here and the colors, details, textures and layers are fantastic.