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 26 August 2020

Washi Wings






Hello all!  There's been a shift in perspectives here at Words and Pictures. I've been spending less time at the computer and more time actually at the craft table... all of which means there's a backlog of tags to share with you here on the blog. 

Since I'm working with a travelling stash at the moment (albeit a largeish one), there are certain limitations on what I can do, but I've found those limitations liberating.

The other thing which has given a much-needed kick to my mojo is the arrival of Speckled Egg as the new Distress Colour (well, it was new - the next new one is being announced later today!).

This particular tag was also inspired by the arrival of some glorious new washi tapes from Paper Garden, a Finnish shop I discovered via Instagram... well worth checking out.





This all happened on an MDF tag because I knew I wanted lots of crackle going on.  In fact, there are two different kinds of crackle here - a two-step weathered paint crackle glaze and some crackle paste simply spread on and left to do its stuff.


Next step, the addition of the washi tape.  This one is a very broad tape, so even torn in two it provides a lovely edging to the tag.  I added some Speckled Egg Distress Paint and spritzed with water to let it trickle into all the cracks and crevices.







That's enough to make me happy!  In fact, at the moment I am having a ball with backgrounds and then struggling a little to work out what goes on top.














Not having any die-cuts available is often frustrating (I'm particularly missing my Wildflower Stems!), and often I'll know exactly what I'd like to put on the tag... only it's not with me here, it's at home in the full stash!
















The Paper Dolls have been putting in plenty of appearances as a result - even more than usual.















This little girl got some magical wings to go with her magical garden background.













And an Idea-ology Quote Chip provides the advice.















I've become fairly obsessed with the acetate Film Strip too - it provides good structure or architectural bones for a collage (something I exploited on my Winter Journalling last December, if you remember).














And some Remnant Rubs made their way onto this one, encouraged by that black edging to the film strip.

I'm generally pretty wary of black on projects.  It always feels very full-on to me.  I almost never stamp in black, which I realise is pretty unusual!













But in a balancing act with all those deep cracks, the film strip, and the words on the Quote Chip, I was willing to allow a little more black into the mix with the rub-ons too.













However, I will confess I brushed over them with a wash of gesso to knock them back a bit!

I particularly like the "Special Delivery" one, tucked just below the Quote Chip.













There's some fine twine at the top along with a ribbon which was cut out of the shoulder seam of a top (one of those loops that's meant to help the clothes stop falling off the hanger, but I never use them).












I hope you like the magical garden on this crackled tag and the little girl getting ready to use her Washi Wings.



















Thanks so much for stopping by.

I'm aiming to fit in some blog-visiting, but I'm so enjoying having some creative mojo again that I may continue to prioritise the craft table while it's here!!

Stay safe, stay well and happy crafting all.

If you were born without wings, do nothing to prevent them from growing.
Coco Chanel

20 comments:

Craftyfield said...

This crackle is fabulous and I love the colours too. I wonder if I'd be more productive with a reduced stash, as sometimes I pull out all sorts of things and end up doing nothing at all! x

Valerie-Jael said...

Gorgeous tag, with wonderful colours and crackle! Have a great day, hugs, Valerie

Helen said...

Great tag, love this one! I am hoping for some crafty mojo to arrive soon... must try harder!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

OMgosh, Alison. This is out of this world. I'm loving how you created it and how you used the crackle to your advantage. Your colors, too. This beauty rocks in more ways than one.

My name is Erika. said...

That crackle background is amazing. It really looks like old painted wood. And the little sweetie as well as the cheesecloth are super additions. It sounds like you are having a great time away. Enjoy. Hugs-Erika

Christine Alexander said...

Love all that crackle :)

Sue said...

This is fabulous Alison! I always love crackle in any form, and the washi is wonderful. I was struggling to pick it out as it fits in perfectly with your background - just as it should be. Take care, and enjoy your creative time, Sue xx

Marci said...

So very pretty!😊

Fonda said...

Beautiful tag!

Let's Art Journal said...

Wonderful tag! I love the little fairy paper doll that you created and the crackle and texture is amazing 😁. I must add crackle paste or glaze to my wish list so I can treat myself. Glad your creative mojo is keeping you busy and you're having fun! Take care! Hugs, Jo x

craftytrog said...

Fabulous textures and I love that sweet fairy! xx

Redanne said...

Oh yes, the two tones of crackle look fabulous Alison and the remnant rubs look like they have been there for ages. The butterfly wings are a lovely touch too on this beautiful tag. Stay safe and well. Anne xx

Soma @ inkTorrents.com said...

Lovely artwork and I appreciate the words on it. Enjoy the time at your craft table, I am hoping to do the same soon.

-Soma

Lagene said...

WOW! awesome creation!

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

I totally understand what you mean about a liberating stash while traveling. It's limited but you have no choice but it's the right choice. LOVE this, every beautiful detail.

Mac Mable said...

So textural and the colour combination, along with the cracks look fabulous Alison. Loving those pretty wings and how you used two different types of crackle. Stamping in black too.....Had a little chuckle that you knocked it back! x.

Cocofolies said...

I love to bits this tag Alison, absolutely exquisite!
Mixing the two types of crackle added to these beautiful new washi-tapes indeed, plus the use of Speckled Egg (I really enjoy this color too, beautiful and delicate) and yellow-green sprayered inks produces a great background to work with.
Your additions and beautiful composition are the icing on the cake, scrumptious!!
Hugs, Corinne xxx

Mrs.B said...

Gorgeous tag, the background texture looks fabulous, a great contrast for this sweet image.
Avril xx

Patty O'Malley said...

I absolutely love this beautiful tag, Alison!

Neet said...

You summed this up quite well when, as you introduced the little girl, you called your background "magical" - it is! That is the only way to describe it - it really is magical! I love it. You are so good when it comes to texture and your use of crackle far exceeds that of me, and many others.
I don't recall seeing that particular doll, she is perfect, and with those wings behind her she is the little fairy on your fairy tale tag. Magic indeed.
Hugs, Neet xx