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...

Monday 29 August 2016

Adventure Awaits






Hello all!  I'm on another continent, but travelling with supplies this time, and even though I've had all sorts of settling in to do (including horrid form-filling and financial shenanigans - I hadn't reckoned on having to open a US bank account!) as well as starting on my next round of creative adventures in my "other life", I've still found time for a bit of crafting.

I have to confess that on my first free afternoon I made my way to Michaels to augment my little stash, and I started on a few tags and panels as well as a journal page spread just to kick things off.

This is one of the panels, made out of a third of a sheet of 9x12 watercolour card (there are two more to come at some point therefore), and I seem still to be on the blue/brown streak.





The delicate pale hues of my Vintage Journey bird tag have become slightly grungier.

I like the collaging but, really, this one's all about the textured background.  (No outdoor photos, I'm afraid, which feels a bit weird to me, but it's only for a few months, I suppose.)

I put a rough coat of gesso onto the paper and, while it was still wet, I added streaks of Raw Umber and Deep Midnight Blue DecoArt Americana acrylic paint.










When the paint was dry, I stamped the Tim Holtz text stamp randomly in Potting Soil Archival.  Stamping in Archival means it won't disappear on me as I add more layers.

Next, I stencilled on some gesso Harlequins and, once they were dry, added a layer of DecoArt One Step crackle through the same stencil.  I also added crackle paste randomly in other places with my palette knife.










When the crackle had done its work, I rubbed Raw Umber over the white Harlequins...

... and White Wash paint over the other areas against the blue.  I wiped off the excess while it was still wet, leaving the crackles nicely highlighted in each area.











A while back I ordered some 49 and Market stamps, including these rather cool stitching lines by Gabrielle Polacco.  I stamped this one in Black Archival around the corners of my grungy panel.














In the end I added a couple of trios of tiny brads, bought on sale in Michaels.

Love the effect in the opposite corners.















And the grungy Harlequins have a pleasing distressed look...
















... which I think works really well with the messy "stitching".













Then it was time for some collaging.  There are strips of tissue tape, torn book pages, both tea-stained and non-tea-stained - I brought some of each with me.

There's a length of burlap ribbon with some narrow crocheted lace over it behind the Photobooth photo.












I've used some Thrift Shop Ephemera as well as a number brad.  I hadn't put any metal elements in my stash, so I couldn't resist grabbing these in Michaels too on a coupon.












The wooden tag was also a Michaels purchase.  I thought the tags would work well with the Small Talk phrases... I love it when a plan comes together!















I roughened the edges all around and inked them with Walnut Stain (I have a dozen mini Distress Inks with me - I wonder if you can guess which colours made the cut!).













And that's your lot for now.  Auditions, callbacks and casting are all done now, and I'll be starting rehearsals this week, so I hope to be a more regular visitor once I've settled into the rhythm of things.  In the meantime, thank you - as always - for your visits and lovely comments.  Each and every one is so much appreciated.  Happy Crafting all

A work of art is above all an adventure of the mind.
Eugene Ionesco






The theme at That's Crafty Challenge is Get Cracking, so I'd love to play along with them there
I'd like to add this to Time to Take Flight over at Stamps and Stencils
And they are playing Anything Creative/Mixed Media over at the Love to Create Challenge
And with a well-timed first use of my faux-stitching stamps, I'd like to play along with It's a Stitch Up at the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge too

53 comments:

Helen said...

Fabulous art, considering you have limited supplies at hand (even with Michaels, lol!) - I love it - what amazing crackle. I'd have thought once rehearsals start would be your busy time - so hope to see more of you when you have some more free time (thanks for catching up with some posts btw)

brenda said...

Stunning mixed media piece Alison. Although short and sweet be assured I've taken in everything.

B x

Jane said...

Hi Alison lovely to see you blogging from afar. What fun to have a Michael's nearby...you may need another suitcase. Your tag is so beautiful such lovely colours and textures. Enjoy your new adventures xx

Sue said...

It's good to see that you have settled in, and how fab to have a Michael's nearby. I hope you've taken a spare suitcase to fill for the way home. Your tag is wonderful Alison, but my favourite, as always has to be the crackle. Good luck with the rehearsals xx

Evelyn Walter said...

Again a very beautiful piece of Art, dear Alison! You brought all new hunted goodies fabulous together! I always love your blue/brown color combination and of course all the yummy cracks!
I wish you to have a good time afar...... and don´t spend too much money at Michael´s ;-)
xxx Evelyn

chrissie said...

Wonderful ideas on this project Alison and always good to see you using your special mix of colours. Sounds like you are having lots to do to stay where you are but I am sure you will enjoy it all.

Take care

Love Chrissie xx

hazel said...

I'm glad that you found some time to make this wonderful tag Alison, the background is fabulous - lovely colours and crackle.
xxx Hazel.

craftytrog said...

That crackle looks good Alison, and I love the composition and colours!
Hope it's going well over there!
Alison xxx

Julia said...

Delicious blues and browns with so much to look at. I have been playing with crackle too, some success and some disappointments but all of it is fun so all good. Take care and have fun x

Pamellia said...

Beautiful Alison. Love the colours and all the stitching. Great design, I love the flow you created. hugs :)

Sue Marrazzo Fine Art said...

I like the images...NICE work!

Gitte said...

Beautiful creation.

sam21ski said...

WOW can't believe what you've made with your limited supplies but at least you have a few craft shops to hand. Great to see you've found time on your travels to make something again - love it xx

Nan G said...

My my you have been a globe trotter this year dear butterfly. Sounds like you're back in the States again. Love all the layers you've collages. And of course, The Crackle! Hugs

sam21ski said...

What are you rehearsing for? xx

Matilde said...

Amazing background as always :)

pearshapedcrafting said...

What an absolutely fabulous panel! The crackle is amazing! Love how you have put this tag together ! It looks as though your adventure has started though….have fun when you can…with a Michaels around you are not going to run out of crafty stash!! Hugs, Chrisx

Astrid Maclean said...

A super panel Alison, love the gorgeous grungy background, the wonderful collage work and yummy crackle. Like you I have fallen in love with Gaby's new stamps, they make for great framing for sure.

Have fun on this latest adventure!

Meggymay said...

Its a fabulous panel and the texture is super, I was taken with the stitching, then read it was a stamp, it looks great.
Hope you get a little free time on your trip now you are settled there.
Yvonne xx

suzyb said...

These colours never seem to grow old. The vintage effect is wonderful and all the crackling going on. I really do love this one and with minimal supplies. You are a rock star. Love your art!!!! Look forward everyday to see what is in my mailbox!
Victoria, BC

Corrie Herriman said...

Such a beautiful tag ! Love it !
Corrie x

Paper Profusion said...

Gorgeous tag Alison with super little details. Enjoy your new adventure and I hope lots of the talented people you meet learn lots from you. Nicola x

Vintagehandmade said...

Stunning tag, Alison! I love your subtle tones, all those yummy crackles and a marvelous design! So vintage and so fabulous! Big hugs! Branka xx

Lauren Hatwell said...

Absolutely beautiful. Lots of lovely crackle and beautiful blue. Good to see you are managing to craft a little on your travels. Lx

Redanne said...

You did a brilliant job with your limited stash Alison, I love your blue/brown phase and those GP stitching stamps look amazingly realistic! I would love to spend just one hour in Michaels.... I hope you get some time to take photos of your neighbourhood again! xx

maj. said...

It's beautiful!!!

Chrissy said...

I love the blues and browns Alison and the crackle is awesome..l love all the details on your tag..fabulous as always.

luv CHRISSYxx

Unknown said...

Amazing collage, and all done whilst travelling! You are so committed to the arty cause :) love it!! Hope the travels are super fun and that you continue to have a blast, even with the US bank account drama! xx

experiments in paper said...

Welcome to the States for what appears to be some while, given the bank account! Your decisions re what to take with you for this stay are brilliant - Love all the stamping! And yes!!! to your modest augmentation from Michael's - the brads are perfect here! I so hope your visit here is a good one.... and I remain in awe of your ability to do this in the midst of all else going on with your other work! This is one great make, and you are one talented artist! xxx Lynn

sally said...

You just have to love those Michaels coupons! I can't believe we will be on the same continent in a few short weeks....I'll be in Maine so highly unlikely that I shall see you shopping all things crafty in the Portland branch of Michaels or JoAnns but.....have fun wherever you are & keep posting more delights for us to drool over!

Sally xx

Inky and Quirky Designs said...

Absolutely stunning Alison, it's so very 'you' with those beautiful tones and colour palette. Oooh I'd love to shop for crafty supplies in America so much more choice than over here and cheaper of course!
Hugs
Donna xx

Lucy Edmondson said...

This is so gorgeous!love the crackle. Bet it was great going to Michael's!

Lucy x

Jennie Atkinson said...

Fabulous! and the background texture and crackling are just stunning! Jennie x

Fliss said...

This is an absolute stunner Alison and love those serene colours too,so calming. The detail is amazing and texture is of couse just fabulous.
Glad you joined us at TC too.
Hope the travels are going well and look forward to more creating when you have time.
Fliss xx

SewPaperPaint said...

Ha ha ha, you sound just like me, when visiting a new location the first thing I want to do is check out the art supplies/shops! I bet you were amazed at the "deals" we have at these mega craft stores. You really did a fabulous job, it shows that you were itching to create. Love your new stitching stamp, a must have!!! Enjoy the good ole US of A! Hugs, Autumn

Cocofolies said...

That's a wonderful tag Alison, the texture with so beautiful crackled areas and all the layers are fabulous... Even with not a lot of supplies you create wonders haha, I'm jealous!!! :-)
I hope your rehearsals are going well, and that you will be able to create a bit more in the coming weeks and months. Enjoy all your good times either in your real life or crafty one, and don't worry about blogging, you come when you can, always welcomed forever.
Hugs, Corinne xx

Terry said...

Alison, thank you for the blog visit and I am mostly back! I have missed so much and just looking at your tag and all the great texture, makes me wonder where my crackle is or in what box! Love all the artsy layers! Hugs!

Julia Aston said...

What a wonderful crackled background on this lovely piece Alison! Making an adventure tag while you are on your own little adventure - perfect! Julia xx

Julie Lee said...

Ooh, lucky you having the opportunity to be let loose in Michaels! That's my dream come true! I love the distressed harlequin pattern and that stitching stamp is gorgeous! I recently discovered One Step Crackle and I'm sold on it! It looks superb on this project. Thank You so much, Alison, that amid your incredibly busy life you find time to visit crafty blogs and also to share your beautiful work with us all. xxx

Diana Taylor said...

Absolutely stunning - I do love your beautiful textured background, and that gentle colour palette, it's true perfection.
I am having craft envy that you are able to get to a Michaels - it's always my first stop when we visit family over there - it's one of my favourite stores!
Thank you also for you kind and generous comments on my blog, I really appreciate you taking the time to visit, even when you are travelling the world!

Mrs.B said...

Fabulous tag Alison, love the colour palette and textured background. Glad you're still managing to take some time out to craft in what sounds like a hectic schedule.
Avril xx

SewPaperPaint said...

We are thrilled that you found time in your busy schedule to share with us at Stamps & Stencils. Hugs, Autumn

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

I just knew there would be a story for my to read about this cutie...but only a tutorial...humph!!! Joking! I LOVE this and of course your blues...great step detail too!

Pawsitively Creative said...

Well I'll be tickled pink! Another grand adventure! Wowzers on the traveling experience. Your trip to the store seems to have worked out smashingly well for you and this gem of a design is grungy good with everything I enjoy seeing in a design. Fantabulous! Hugz! ~Niki

Annie said...

A fabulous work of art Alison. Fabulous layers of paints, stencils, stamps and paper. Sounds like a busy time right now.....hope it settles down again

Take care and thanks for sharing
Hugs Annie x

Vintagehandmade said...

I am back to thank you so much for joining us at Stamps and Stencils! Hugs! Branka xx

Kath Stewart said...

wow Alison...stunning project with so much beautiful texture and details...thank you for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge...enjoy what's left of the weekend... hugs kath xxx

Meihsia Liu said...

Love your gorgeous tag, Alison. All the texture and details you created are fabulous! Your creations are always great inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. :)

carol edwards said...

Wonderful how you can do such a lovely creation out of so little. Thank you for sharing x

sarascloset said...

Alison, it seems like a lifetime ago that I've visited your lovely blog, and indeed a lifetime of events have transpired since that time I was last here to comment! I'm working backwards here, so I don't know what is going on with you in the US, but you are on my familiar territory with that bit about Micheals. I've never seen the wooden tags, but the other things are familiar to me, including that burlap ribbon. So sad you had to go through the grueling paper work involved in opening a US bank account. I did this recently with my daughter and could not believe the time and work involved (not to mention the amount of paper wasted!) Oh, I long for the good old days of passbook savings accounts!

Your work in your new digs is so inspiring! I love the grungy background and the lovely collage! That crackle is just so rich and the colors are yummy! I hope you are well; so good to be back for a visit, which I must now cut short, unfortunately. Work beckons! Big hugs! I still look at your lovely tags you sent me daily! Love them!

Mary Elizabeth said...

As you can tell, I'm finally getting some time to drop and visit. I always love spending time here. So ... incredible make with a travel craft kit. I love it! Wonderful Michaels purchases as well. You might as well sign up for the Rewards program if you are going to be here for a few months :)

Thanks for the close ups of this project. I am so enamored with the texture on this tag. Gesso is wonderfully versatile and I'm thrilled you brought along all the crackle supplies. Wow! Tea-dyed and non-tea-dyed book pages. You really thought through this travel kit. Of course you are having all sorts of practice with packing up the kit these days.

The Raw Umber in the harlequin crackle ... somehow words escape me for a suitable description of how much I envy you. One of my absolute favorite backgrounds. I love the harlequin crackle juxtaposed with the delicate white washed crackle over top of Raw Umber. Then there are all the layers and layers of goodness. Yes. Just marvelous. -- Mary Elizabeth

Jackie PN said...

OMGoodness You were here in the US? and so close to me! Well, about 7 hours actually!
I love that you shared about those brads! I have so many and rarely use them,yours is a great idea thank you!
Jackie xo

Princess Judy Palmer said...

You've done so well with limited supplies and some supplemental stash from Michaels. Your tag is wonderful with lots of detail as always. I adore those messy stitching stamps. The fun you'll have with those!