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...

Friday 21 March 2014

Dream, Play, Grow

Hello everyone.  I'm very excited to be hosting the second challenge at A Vintage Journey, and there's no big surprise about the theme I'm offering up.  I would like you to Say It With Words!

Tim Holtz makes it so easy to "say it with words".  You could use one of the many fantastic sentiment stamps, or ChitChat stickers, AlphaParts, Grungeboard lettering (either pre-cut, or using the fabulous WordPlay die), or any of the other alphabet stamps or dies you can think of, or all of them together!  Whatever you pick, let the words be at the heart of your project.




You can find all the challenge details and rules here at A Vintage Journey, along with lots of amazing inspiration from my fantastic team-mates... but before you go rushing off, here's my starter for ten for you.

Words have always been central to my life (at work and at play).

I love them for their meanings, their sounds and also for how decorative they can be.  

So there's decorative script stamping here, a sentiment which means a great deal to me, and the three large AlphaParts words on the tags which are there for their meanings, but also want to be said out loud!






There's even a bonus thought on the back - but we'll get to that!

I started with a jumbo tag... the size 12 (10.5 x 5.125 inches), and folded it to create a little wallet.










The inking on the outside is a combination of Scattered Straw, Wild Honey and Rusty Hinge, with some darker accents coming in later from Walnut Stain and Black Soot.

And I used my new favourite TH stencil - the latticework pattern.









I covered three small tags with old book pages and inked them up to match.  

The lettering is the Newsprint AlphaParts, and I've simply dabbed Antique Linen Distress Paint directly onto the surface - doing my best to leave the bases black, to give extra dimension.








The glorious Papillon text is stamped randomly in Sienna Archival ink, and the main recurring images along with the words are - again, no surprise - butterflies.

The horizontal Papillons appear here on the cover.











I've used a couple of Idea-ology Hitch Fasteners for the closure, with little metal tassels added to the end of some pale twine to fasten it.














Undo that, and you open up to the interior...










On the inside, I did some marbling and some wrinkle-free distress technique using Distress Paints in similar colours, but with Antique Linen added to the mix.  

And once it was all dry, I also did some inking and stencilling on the inside too.












The vertical Papillon butterflies take pride of place on the central panel.

They're stamped in a combination of Coffee and Black Archival, and clear embossed.











The largest was stamped a second time on acetate and cut out to add that little lift towards flight.










The sentiment is an absolute favourite - not least because it hits very close to home!  

Again it's stamped in the two colours, and clear embossed for extra definition and the "now you see it, now you don't" factor.














The other mini tags take their place on the left wing, with two of the other actions necessary to discovering who you want to be.
















You need to dream, play, and grow, I'd say (all long, monosyllabic, open vowel sounds - full of space and time).













And there's no need to have any destination in mind on this particular journey.












As well as the Papillon text, echoing the outside cover, I've used my favourite script stamp here - from the Apothecary set - stamped in Antique Linen Distress Paint.

(Spot the tiny rub-on lettering too!)












And I simply couldn't resist adding some meadow flowers - layered in Rusty Hinge DI and Coffee Archival.








All done?  Well, not quite... there's one final bonus to this tag wallet.


On the back of the outside I've stamped another absolute favourite (one that doesn't get to come out and play very often, sadly). 





This is a Unity stamp by Christy Tomlinson, and you don't need me to tell you that these words are also central to my way of thinking.














Again it's the double ink stamping - I love the shading effect you get.












Some Antique Linen DP splatter and we're finally there...

I hope this will inspire you to Say It With Words at A Vintage Journey. You have a fortnight to play, and we'd love to see what you come up with.  Remember it's Vintage or Tim Holtz style, and with words at the heart of it.  See you there!







Words can light fires in the minds of men.  Words can wring tears from the hardest hearts.
From The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

From one challenge to another - I'd like to enter this in A Splash of Colour at the Inspiration Journal challenge sponsored by the Inspiration Emporium.

101 comments:

Scraps of Elegance said...

Oh my goodness, this sure is splendid. I adore the background and all the techniques you used to treat the words. Thanks for the inspiration.

Unknown said...

Ooooohhhh I love the richness of the golden colors and I'm a big fan of butterflies so this is a win win for me. I love your challenge theme too. Such a fun challenge to play along with. FANtabulous project Alison!!!!!! Thx for the inspiration. :) Hugs

Marci said...

This is gorgeous, a cornucopia of stamping!

scrappymo! said...

This is fabulous! Of course I love the shading, inking and colourizing...but most of all I love the words and the sentiment.

This truly is a work of art!

Candy C said...

Alison....your little tag wallet is simply gorgeous. I adore the earthy colors you've chosen as your background. Love the stencil! Love the butterflies! Love the sentiments! It's all fabulous. I also love the small tags you've covered with book text and then added as beautiful embellishments to your already amazing tag wallet. You are such an artist! <3 Candy

Mona Pendleton said...

Beautiful project Alison! I love the pretty color combo ~ almost glows! So very creative!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous Alison. Love all the butterflies too. Karen.x

froebelsternchen said...

This turned out so beautiful Alison --simply a little treasure of art!

Debi said...

Another great project and I love your theme 😃 love those honey colours, debi x

Helen said...

Everything about this project is perfect - the colours, the stamping, the images and texts themselves..

sally said...

Great theme, great colours...what more can I say?

Sally

Tincan Crafter said...

Alison,
these golden rich warm colours are so inviting! I love the stencilling and the butterfly with the acetate layer. I like the clean feel of it - "Say it with words" is an excellent challenge. I love all the little quotes and excerpts you always have at the bottom of your posts.

Jane said...

This is just stunning.....I love the colours, composition and all those words. I saw this over at the VJ blog and came to see it in all it's glory. You are so creative x

Amanda said...

Absolutely beautiful! So much lovely detail and a great colour combination.
Love
Amanda x

chrissie said...

Stunning Alison. Wonderful words to chose and a very special closing idea

Love Chrissie x

Zuzu's Blog said...

how gorgeous. Old and vintage looking yet it glows from the page with warmth. I am looking forward to joining in the vintage journey again this time around. :)

Astrid Maclean said...

Fabulous Alison and I adore the colours you have used on this one!! So warm and earthy a great contrast to the butterflies that are light and airy! My favourite bit is that central butterfly with its wing stamped on acetate, such a cool effect!

Unknown said...

This is beautiful Alison, shabbily elegant and gorgeous! Fab choice of topic for this challenge too! Chris xxx

Shirley said...

Another creative picture in words Alison you make everything look so totally delicious.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

A gorgeous make Alison...lovely stamping and the great colours fit so well! Have a nice weekend, Alie :-)

Annie said...

This is gorgeous Alison x love the layers and the butterfly is gorgeous. A fab project and great theme.

Hugs Annie x

Pam said...

Stunning! I just love this!

Rita said...

My goodness Alison, this is wonderful. The colours and the stamping look great. Lots of lovely sayings and Words used in this project. Hugs Rita xxx

rachel said...

this is just wonderful Alison - love it to pieces xx

Paper Profusion said...

Well I'm inspired for sure Alison by this beauty. Gorgeously rich, lush and alive. All the sentiments have made me pause for thought - a good thing! Love all your inking techniques, stamping etc. Have a lovely weekend Alison. Nicola x

Paper Profusion said...

Well I'm inspired for sure Alison by this beauty. Gorgeously rich, lush and alive. All the sentiments have made me pause for thought - a good thing! Love all your inking techniques, stamping etc. Have a lovely weekend Alison. Nicola x

cathylynn said...

It's hard to believe that this marvelous creation started from a tag. Love the warm colors and the stamping is spectacular. So many loving details and I totally adore this tag!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Ellie Knol said...

Wish you lived nearer, I would have liked to join you for a day, or more... LOL This is so beautiful!

Meggymay said...

Wow, rich colours, lovely words and quotes a stunning project.
Yvonne

Jennie Atkinson said...

Fabulous Alison! Wonderful colours, sentiments and loads of inky techniques. I love the way you have folded the giant tag and closed it with another tag - and the acetate on the butterfly - all just wonderful! And yes the sentiments are so very true. Thank you for such a fabulous challenge Jennie x

Hettie said...

This is gorgeous Alison. I just love the colours you have used. Some of my favourite DI colours. I must make sure I join in this month.
You just MADE me order some jumbo tags too!
Hugs
xx

Dianne said...

SQUAWK, SQUAWK, oh my I'm in love again, this is OUTSTANDING, superlative work this is.. I love everything you did on this Miss Butterfly you are "THE BOMB", now I can go to my desk fulllll of inspiration, thanks for sharing your genius,have a wonderful weekend, ((( BIG HUGS)))..

Terry said...

Beautiful and rich colors. I always find yellow tones so peaceful and then add the butterflies!! I love your butterflies and that stencil is becoming a favorite of mine! Fabulous use of stamps and elements in your tag wallet, Alison! Wonderful challenge theme and this is a beauty! Hugs!

Kay Wallace said...

You are my Vintage Queen, Alison!! And this piece is a perfect example of why I find your work so intriguing. The color palette itself tells a story, and every layer that follows is another chapter. I especially like all the details here!

Redanne said...

I love the warm tones you have used on this beautiful little booklet, the words are very inspirational and those butterflies are divine. Absolutely beautiful. Anne xx

Chrissy said...

Gorgeous Alison..I adore the colours and those beautiful butterflies and love the wallet fold..fabulous texts and love the closure clasp..

luv CHRISSYxx

maria's knutselplezier said...

Wow Astrid I love this lovely project, great words ,colours and beautfull images , super !!!

Greetings
Maria

Maggie said...

Gorgeous tag book Alison lovely rich tones and also so much stamping detail showing off the beautiful quotes.

MaggieH

Heather said...

An amazing creation Alson, what a wonderful colour scheme, a fabulous background and stamping. I love your text and words and beautiful treatment of the larger butterfly!!

hugs
Heather xx

Deborah said...

Love your honey coloured wallet tag, Alison, with its amazing and inventive closure. Always a pleasure to visit your blog and see what you've come up with.

May said...

WOW, WOW, WOW... Alison I adore this ...The colours & design is amazing...Brilliant use of the words & the images are perfect...Hugs May x x

Silvia(Barnie) said...

That's a gorgeous tag in fantastic colors.

Anonymous said...

This is fabulous and that colour works so beautifully with your choice of stamps and images.
You surely picked a wonderful theme.
Wishes
Lynne

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Gorgeous piece, love the warm tones and gorgeous imagery. Love the butterflies and the wonderful words. Beautiful piece . Tracy x

Birscrea4fun said...

Hi Alisson, the colors are very beautuful.
The words are very good and the stamps are fabulous.
Wauw
Gr. Birgit

Netty said...

Beautiful tag book of words Alison.

Annette x

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

S@ndy Diller said...

You said it so beautifully with words. The colors are so lovely, my favorites. Such a nice project.

Rosie said...

Wow, this is gorgeous in every detail, Alison.

Have a lovely weekend

Dorthe said...

Dear Alison,
so,so,so ,so fabolous, -so very beautiful, -those colours ,the way you ink the stamps, and make them allive, and the wonderful text stamps you used...it is a GORGEOUS piece of art,- Yes I can only dream of becoming such a wonderful artist with papers and inks ,as you are.
Hugs,Dorthe

maj. said...

Brilliant project , great colours!!!!

Brenda Brown said...

This is stunning Alison, the great depth created by the stencilling and inky layers, the wonderful words, especially those tags and the colours and design altogether have created a magnificent project. Thanks for a fab challenge xx

Margaret said...

Alison, this is wonderful! I love the use of tags for both the album and the embellishing! The combination of the butterflies and words are absolutely fantastic too!

Meihsia Liu said...

Wow.. Alison, this is such a gorgeous creation! The colors and all the details are so beautiful! Lovely. :)

Anonymous said...

In awe here. That is utterly gorgeous.

Inkypinkycraft said...

This is gorgeous , with so many gorgeous details but the words still centre stage...a gorgeous make and love the colours too! Hugs x

hazel said...

This is amazing, I love everything about it.
xxx Hazel.

Neet said...

I love words too - have lots of stamps - but this I just adore!
Fabulous work as always Alison.
Hugs, Neet xx

Martina said...

Oh, Alison - what can I say but WOW!!!
Your pieces are always sooo beautiful and this is just a wonderful eye candy :-) You are sooooo talented!!

Carol Q said...

just beautiful Alison!

Cocofolies said...

Hi Alison, I love the theme and the words you chose for hosting your first challenge... They have a true meaning for me too. Fabulous mini album using a simple Jumbo tag, really love this. Your butterfly with acetate is fabulous, and I love the closure of your Dream tag!!... All is absolutely gorgeous! Hugs, Coco xxx

barbarayaya62 said...

Very beautiful mini ! I love your words and the design in this work is perfect! the colors are gorgeous too!!! As always!!! BArbarayaya

Etsuko said...

So beautiful the little wallet Alison. Fab vintage colours, great technique and sentiments. Especially I love the dimensional butterfly and the gradation embossed sentiment, these are so gorgeous. Etsuko xx

craftytrog said...

Gorgeous inkyness Alison xxx

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Just stunning! And to think it is all on a folded tag. I hadn't even realized that at first glance. As always there is so much to look at and admire in your work.

Anonymous said...

Stunning piece of work, love it.

Moira xx

Jools Robertson said...

Brilliant! love this tag transformation into a stunning wallet
I tried to do something similar and was desperately trying to get a fastener and you have just inspired me how
Would never have thought of that, so inspirational

Thank you, and I'm looking forward to having a go

Jools x

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

MOST EXCELLENT card! I love the tag and toggle on the front, and the tag on the inside! Great design!

Julie Lee said...

This just glows with golden beauty, Alison! Beautiful in every way! Julie Ann xxx

Sandy said...

I think the whole world is following you Alison - wonderful make really fabulous!!!!
I am working on my little book for this challenge now!!
Wish me luck kid!
Sandy xx

Anna-Karin said...

This is gorgeous! Love the warm colours and of course all the great words.

Almo said...

A beautiful tag wallet and some really lovely sentiments and words, love the idea of the two smaller tags inside and the smaller one on the front. Mo x

Lisa H said...

BEAUTIFUL, I love this. Thank you for sharing your work with us at Inspiration Journal this month! =)

Jenny Marples said...

Such a wonderful way to alter this tag. Love the warmth it exudes and the clever fastening. Jenny x

Kasia said...

OMG, what an amazing creation! LOVE! Great colour! And those butterflies are beautiful! Wow! :)

Marjie Kemper said...

Wow, Alison, WOW. This is stunning in every way. Sorry I am so late to the party (ooops, I've actually missed this party!) but I am thrilled to be able to come 'round via BlogLovin and not miss a post. Will be pinning this beauty so I can admire again and again.

Kezzy said...

Wow wow wow Alison this is truly stunning, the depth of colour with the stamping is gorgeous and I love its simplicity with few embellishments is so the colour and stamping really pops. Kezzy :-) xxx

Candy C said...

Alison....super congrats for being named among Tim's Springtime Blogworthy Links. Your DREAM book is beautiful! <3 Candy

Brenda Brown said...

How wonderful to see your name on Tim's list today with this very special card. Congratulations on your Tim Blogworthy link.
hugs Brenda xx

Jenny Marples said...

You know I'm a fan and this is just one of a myriad of superb projects you post but it's great to see you getting such well deserved recognition. Huge congratulations on your Blogworthy link my wonderful friend! Jenny x

Capescrapper said...

The distressing is perfect in your artwork! Love the colors and the butterflies! Well done!

Gail Mc Nerney said...

Love your techniques and distress works...you are very very talented!! Great job!!

AngelkissesbyLinda said...

This tag is so awesome, I'm in love. thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS Alison! This truly is a wonderful piece from a very talented lady. THANKYOU for all your inspiration. Karen.x

Julia said...

Congratulations on your blogworthy recognition, well deserved. Julia x

Redanne said...

Huge congratulations on your Blogworthy Link Alison, it was wonderful to see your name on that list!! Hugs, Anne xx

Ana K. said...

Alison, congratulations...I was really happy when I saw your name on Tim Holtz blog! This little book is really gorgeous! Hugs

Ruby Craft said...

I found you on Tim's blogworthy post. Beautiful tag book. I can see why you were featured. Congrats!

bkazoo said...

Congrats on receiving a well deserved shout out on tim's blogworthy links 2014-04-25

Tikaani said...

Oh my gosh! This is amazing - I must go make one right now!! Tim sent me over here - glad I came :)

Kim said...

Darling creation, my sweet! And congrats on the Timmy shout out!! Hope all is going well! XXOO -Kim

Chris said...

Absolutely gorgeous project Alison and a big congrats on your mention in blog worthy links, I'm so pleased for you. Have a great weekend. Chris x

Maureen Chandler said...

This is a fantastic project - I just love it and all your very special touches! I am going back to look at it again and I know I will find touches that I missed the first time. Thanks so much!

Lucy Edmondson said...

Congratulations on your blogworthy link! So pleased!

Lucy x

iGirlZoe said...

Such a lovely and clever tag booklet. Congratulations on the worthy blogworthy. :)

Anna-Karin said...

This is a gorgeous project Alison, I was not surprised to see it picked as blogworthy (but then of course all your projects are blogworthy!).

Heidi Crowl said...

Alison, this is so fun and beautiful! Thank you for taking the time to share it with us. The beauty brings joyful inspiration!

Maggie said...

Congratulations Alison for your springtime blogworthy link on Tim's Blog for this gorgeous tag book which I adore.

MaggieH

Cathy L. Calamas said...

Fabulous and congratulations again on your Tim Holtz kudos!! Well deserved. I am amazed at the amount of creating you can get done in a week. :))

barbarayaya62 said...

LAte!!!!!But I want to congratulate with you for " springtime blog worthy links" !!! Mr Tim is able to appreciate the most talented creative and you are surely a big talent! BArbarayaya

Rea' said...

Congrats on making Blogworthy... heck yeah Blogworthy !! OMG ... this is fabulous... being a Tim_A-Holic I love ALL these details ... so much goodness going on here :)

Genevieve said...

Love the colour of this piece and the stamps.....great choices! Congrats on being on Tim's Blogworthy list.

Cheers,