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Monday 30 December 2013

A Sprig of Holly






Hello all!



Apologies for my absence around Craftyblogland - I've been battling the seasonal cough and cold, and generally feeling pretty sorry for myself.  I hope to get back in the saddle soon.

But I couldn't allow myself to fall at the final hurdle with Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of 2013.  So far, the tags he's inspired me to make have been some of my favourite creations of the year, so I couldn't miss out on the lovely December tags.  

Yes, that's tags in the plural because (after my shocking recent admission that I don't much like poinsettias!) it was Tim's second tag that really captured my heart, just down there at the end of Tim's tutorial post.







In the absence of the poinsettia die, I had considered hand-cutting my flower.  

And I was thinking of going for a white poinsettia (more in my colour line than the red), but then the fabulous Trace over at inkypinkycraft came up with the perfect white poinsettia - no way to follow that, so I decided to give up on poinsettias altogether and give in to my first love, the holly version!









It still wasn't that simple, as I'd forgotten that Decorative Strip Dies are reluctant to cut more than just paper or light card.  I did manage to get an outline by running the frosted Clearly For Art through with the Festive Greenery die, and then finished the cutting by hand.  

And I cut a couple of larger leaves completely by hand.  

I used Olive and Cornflower Blue Archival inks to stain my leaves, and added a couple of golden berry decorations.









I had a lovely time with the background of the tag - Broken China, Stormy Sky and Frayed Burlap were the main colour ingredients, and some Walnut Stain for edging.













I stamped the sentiment in Potting Soil - it seemed the right earthy sort of touch.





There's a little touch of my new favourite ribbon, the Idea-ology linen ribbon, at the top.
















And the splattering was great fun...

But then, horrors, the brief break in the weather we'd been promised came earlier than expected, so I had to dive out to take the photos before my blobs and splatters of paint were fully dry, so sadly some of them got a bit smudged.  








But it was worth it, because the wind's got up again now, and I don't suppose the tag would stay still long enough to be photographed!

So, a huge thank you to Tim for an amazing year of inspiration - I've had an absolute ball and created, as I said, some of my favourite makes of the year, thanks to the 12 Tags.  

Fingers crossed for more next year... Since I'm so late with this, I've not got long to wait to find out!

And thank you to all of you for your amazing support, and your incredible inspiration.  Where would I be without Craftyblogland?!

Wishing you all a very happy New Year, and a peaceful, prosperous and (if you like that kind of thing) adventurous 2014!





I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something.

So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.

Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever.
Neil Gaiman


I'd like to enter this as my December tag in Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of 2013
And also as Bonus Tag 1 for the Funkie Junkie's 12 Tags of Christmas (plus bonuses!) sponsored by The Funkie Junkie Boutique - the holly leaves on Linda's lovely thank you tag are the obvious inspiration, with thanks for a joyful Christmas of creativity.


57 comments:

barbarayaya62 said...

Alison your tag is stunning as always! Your projects are always slight (do not know if it's the right word to express what I think!), Almost ethereal, this is really beautiful, amazing colors! I wish you a wonderful 2014 full of creativity! BArbarayaya

Helen said...

What a gorgeous tag - subtle colours and beautiful touches. I hope you're well on the way to feeling better now. I look forward to making mistakes too this - well next - year!

Evelyn Walter said...

Wonderful tag, dear Alison!
Thank you for your wishes for 2014 - and I want to wish you all the best for you and your family. Stay as creativ as you do, it´s always a pleasure to see what wonderful art you did! Hugs Evelyn
Oh, and I hope you get healthy soon!

Dorthe said...

Dear Alison,
I so hope you will feel more fit, tomorrow so you are able to enter the new year without too many sniffings and coughs.
Your tag is amazing, the holly flower in glass-like frosted and snow splattered mood, looks gorgeous and so does your background!
I wish you a very happy year 2014, xx
Dorthe

brenda said...

Such a lovely tag Alison with a wonderful Wintry feel to it.

Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Crafty 2014.

B x

Cestina said...

Oh that is so delicate and pretty. Even more amazing when one considers how you are currently feeling.

Wish you'd not passed it on though :-(
xxx

sally said...

Alison, this is beautiful! Sorry to hear that you are still feeling rough, fingers crossed for a healthier 2014 will be on your wish list I presume.

All the best for 2014

Sally

Claudia N. said...

I haven't seen Tim's tag(s) yet, but I definitely love yours, Alison!

And I am sorry to hear that you struggle with that nasty cold too (same over here...bah!). Get well soon!!!

Hugs and Happy New Year, my crafting friend and source of inspiration!

Claudia xx

Jennie Atkinson said...

Just absolutely beautiful Alison - the colours are just so wonderfully soft and yes I love the holly rather than the poinsettia! and that is not because I don't have the die either!

I hope you are starting to feel better now - not much fun having coughs and colds at this time of the year. Thanks so much for all you wonderful inspiration and personal encouragement throughout this year - I can't wait to see what you inspire us all with next year. My wish list increases with every blog post you make!

Wishing you a healthy, happy and creative 2014.

Jennie x

maria's knutselplezier said...

What a wonderful tag, dear Alison, I love the blue subtil background with all those beautiful details!!!

Have a nice end of the year feast and a happy, healthy , succesful and creative 2014

Greetings
Maria

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Hi Alison! hope you feel better soon sweetie. I would like to thank you for your support and visits to my blog I really appreciate them. I love your tag the colour tones are gorgeous and I love the greenery and rustic touch with the sentiment and ribbon trim. Happy New Year. Tracy x

Jenny Marples said...

So sorry to hear you've been under the weather Alison. Hope you are back to full health asap. LOVE your version. It feels, well as Barbarayaya put it, ethereal - love the soft palette and the holly bouquet. Have a fabulous 2014. Jenny x

Astrid Maclean said...

A wonderful take on the original Alison, love your version with the bells/berries!

Sorry to hear you have been poorly, it seems to have hit a lot of people over the festive season, but here's to good health, happiness and above all creativity for 2014, and yes, I'm all for some adventures too!

Chrissy said...

Beautiful tag Alison..I love the beautiful colour and the Holly looks wonderful with the silver berries..gorgeous. Hope you feel better soon and Wishing you and your family a very Happy & Healthy New Year 2014

Luv CHRISSYxx

Unknown said...

Love the light colours with the frosty holly. Beautiful interpretation Alison. Happy New Year to you x

Sandy said...

Beautiful Alison! If you go back and look at the picture of your first new favorite ribbon - the tie and hole really looks like a reindeer's head.
Get well soon pretty lady - a new year is almost upon us!!
Sandy

Julie Lee said...

This is exquisite. I love the snowy spatters and the colours are so subtle. The holly is perfect. I do hope you are now feeling much better and that you have a really Happy and Creative 2014, Alison. It's been such a pleasure getting to know your work in 2013: you are always an inspiration! Julie Ann xx

Dagmar said...

such a beautiful Tag!!!! It´s so lovely.
I wish you all the best for you and your Family and many creative ideas 2014.
Dagmar XX

Redanne said...

Ah, where would a lot of us be without Craftyblogland Alison.... Sorry you have been feeling poorly and I do hope you feel well very soon.

Your tag is a stunner, love the holly leaves, they are so delicate and beautiful......and the splatting is wonderful. Hope you have a happy and healthy New Year! Thanks so much for all your amazing inspiration. Hugs, Anne x

sam21ski said...

Oh no Alison, sorry to hear you've been under the weather but glad you bounced back in time to finish T!m last tag of the year.

Happy New Year to you

Sam xx

Unni A said...

Wow, it's beutiful! You never stop to impress me with your wonderful work!
Sorry to hear you're not feeling well :( Hope you feel better very soon!
Sending you lots of "feel better"hugs
Unni

Jools Robertson said...

Beautiful, I hope you had a really lovely Christmas
Wishing you a Happy New Year, all the very best for 2014
Jools x

Anonymous said...

Breathlessly beautiful! I love this tag Alison! x

Dortesjs said...

gorgeous tag, love the leaves they are awsome. wish you a happy new year also. take care.

Julia said...

Beautiful tag Alison. I too have gone missing from blog land in December so have some catching up to do. Looking forward to making lots of mistakes in 2014 and I wish you a very Happy New Year. X

Meihsia Liu said...

What a gorgeous tag, Alison. I always love your beautiful creation. Thank you so much for sharing and wis you a happy new year. :)

Mona Pendleton said...

Wishing you get will wishes Alison! Your tag is stunning! Love the beautiful color combo and all the details! Thanks for the inspiration and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones :)

sara j said...

Such beautifully blended colors....hmmm. So pretty to look at. Hope you won't mind, but I used your usual color scheme as an inspiration for a journal spread....http://fromthefunroom-adventuresinartscrafts.blogspot.com/2013/12/sometimes-i-need-to-be-reminded.html.
Thanks for all your great blog posts over the last year - may your 2014 be full of good tidings for you and yours. Hope you're feeling better quick!

chrissie said...

So sorry you aren't well yet Alison and I hope you soon get better.

This tag is very beautiful and has such lovely muted shades.

I love the 'words' today.. Anything that makes mistakes sound useful can't be bad.

Hope 2014 is wonderful for you.

Love Chrissie x

Brenda Brown said...

A glorious tag Alison and I love your holly version. Hope you are feeling better, get well soon.
Wishing you a wonderfully creative new year filled with love, peace, health and happiness.
hugs {brenda} x0x

SiódmyAnioł said...

Śliczny tag, wyjątkowo delikatny!

Lucy Edmondson said...

Your holly with the golden berries is exquisite, Alison. Hope you feel better soon,

Lucy x

Ana K. said...

I hope you are feeling better...I love your take on Tim`s tag... it`s more in my style...just great!
Wish you fantastic 2014!
Hugs

Candy C said...

Absolutely gorgeous, Alison!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! <3 Candy

Unknown said...

This tag has such visual appeal to it Alison. It's quite beautiful and I have enjoyed seeing your tags throughout the year. The sentiment, holly and little baubles are a perfect finale. Hope 2014 is a bright and wonderful year for you!
Feel better soon. :) Hugs

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

So sorry you sneezed your way through the festive season. Hope the bug is out of your system now! Your take on Tim's tag is gorgeous. I love the subtle elegance of it. And it's a perfect fit for my bonus round tag #1 too!

Wishing you a happy, healthy and crafty New Year!

Hugs,
Linda

cathylynn said...

You ended this year with another beauty! Love the tag and those leaves are fabulous! Get Better Soon! and..... Happy New Year!!!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Darlene G said...

What a beautiful tag. I have enjoyed all the tags you made this season. They are very inspirational. Hope you are feeling better.

Terry said...

So soft and delicate, Alison! Love this tag! I hope you have a wonderful and I know creative 2014! Hugs!

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

A very creative tag Alison!
Thanks for all your kind comments in 2013...hope we can meet in Blogland in 2014 too!
Wish you and your ove ones all the best,
kind regards, Alie :-)

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous tag! Happy New Year to you & yours.

Annie said...

Hi Alison...so sorry to hear you have been poorly. X hope you are feeling so much better and I am sending you a huge cyber hug.
Your Tim Tag is wonderful and the leaves, berries amazing x

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that you have a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Thank you for following me and taking the time to visit and leave such encouraging compliments. Your visits are truly appreciated.

Take care and crafty hugs

Annie x

Hettie said...

This is beautiful Alison. I hope you are feeling much better now.
Hugs and Happy New Year.
Hettie
xx

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Is it okay if I make some of the same old mistakes again too? Some of them are like old friends... Gorgeous tag. I love the holly. I can't see it with a poinsettia; it seems like that would overwhelm the tag. I like your use of spattered paint (even if it did run some, which I didn't even notice) and distress glitter. I like the dimension. I try to remind myself to add more but then I do things like add distress glitter to pumpkins making them look like they have warts.

Michelle said...

It has been such a joy to see your beautiful projects this past year. Thank you for sharing them. And thank you for sharing your process as well. I've enjoyed reading your posts and your encouraging comments.
Thank you. I hope that you have a wonderfully creative 2014! Happy New Year!

Kate Yetter said...

This is gorgeous! I love your take on Tim's tag. Soft and festive with those little balls. Hope you feel better soon.
Kate

Cinderella Moments said...

That tag is glorious! I love the sparkly diamonds. It's a winner!! Love the colors too. Happy New Year to you too!
hugs♥,
Caroline

Nan G said...

Very dreamy nature to this tag, Alison. The colors are definitely you. Love the holly! Happy New Year!

Cocofolies said...

That's a wonderful tag with a fabulous frosted texture!!!... All my wishes for you Alison in 2014, love, joy, success, and numerous mistakes that will transform into new amazing makes that make us dream so much. HUGS Coco X

Silvia(Barnie) said...

A gorgeous take on Tim's tag.

Margaret said...

Great decision to go with the holly! It looks terrific! I also love the quote you shared. Truer words...

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

LOVE those berries! What a fabulous take!

2amscrapper said...

love your version!

Kezzy said...

Wow absolutely gorgeous stunning take of Tims tag, I didn't get to join in but did buy the bits so going to have to have a go at the technique. I love your background so soft and delicious and the holly sets it off wonderfully. I the poem at the bottom of the page, certainly made me smile, very inspiring. Hugs :-) Kezzy xxxxx

scrappymo! said...

Tjis is a stunning tag. love the colours and the splattered white! The holly leaves are perfect.

Really enjoyed the quote at the bottom of your post.

Marci said...

I could have sworn I commented on this tag already, but evidently not. I love the color, and as someone else said, the serene feeling. The holly leaves are so beautiful. The quote at the end just blew my mind. Wow. Hope you're feeling much better and the new year will be a great one for you.

Mrs.B said...

Stunning tag Alison, love your alternative to the poinsettia and just as festive.
Avril xx