This is a unique challenge blog where we are inspired by and focus on the Vintage; shabby; mixed-media; art journaling; industrial, timeworn and steampunk genres and encompass the talent, flair, expertise and ideas of many artists that we are inspired by. We welcome all types of projects - cards, journaling, assemblage, layouts, albums, atcs, altered art in fact whatever you want to share (as long as it is in good taste).

Monday 8 January 2018

Destination Inspiration - Terminal 1 with Alison

Hello all, Alison here, arriving at Destination Inspiration with a travel bag of goodies to play with.  Let's take a look inside and see what we have:

Product: Sprays
Technique: Stamping
Colour: Blue & Brown
Substrate: Wood or Chipboard

And here's what I've created with some of my favourite things...


It was a lucky travel bag for me!


I hope I'll be allowed my slight variation on the substrate - it's actually an MDF ATC from Calico Craft Parts - so it's somewhere between Wood and Chipboard, I suppose.


I stuck down some book pages scraps and an ivy die-cut, added some DecoArt One-Step Crackle and lightly gesso'd over it all once the crackle was dry.  I then added a few spritzes of Distress Stain Sprays in blues and browns and sprayed with water to soften them.  Next, I took the spray nozzle out of the bottle and added some inky spray directly to the edges, softening again with water; and then flicked a few droplets of Ground Espresso from the end of the tube onto the ATC.


So that all that would stay in place as I added more layers, I covered it with a layer of DecoArt Ultra Matte Varnish before going any further.  The next step was a layer of Antiquing Cream in White, knocked back to give this lovely misty effect.


Of course it stays in the cracks though, which I love.


For my stamping, I used some tiny brambly branches - I think they may be by Penny Black - stamped in either Coffee or Potting Soil Archival.


(It's a long time since I made this, I'm afraid, so I'm not quite sure any longer.)


I wanted to make the ivy leaves stand out a little more so I gave them a coat of DecoArt Triple Thick Gloss Glaze.  I love the subtle gleam when it catches the light.


Some Clippings stickers provide the words...


... a good New Year thought to take me through the year ahead.


And of course there's plenty of white spatter...


It may be a tiny ATC, but I think it packs a punch.  I love all the layers, and the soft, smoky blues and browns.


I hope you're looking forward to seeing who arrives at Destination Inspiration next Monday - I know I can't wait to see what the other Creative Guides do with these travel bag contents.  And while you're waiting, why not come and join in with this month's Think Inside or Outside the Box challenge, hosted by the fabulous Deb?  We hope to see you there soon.

Alison xx
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26 comments:

  1. Julia Aston8 January 2018 at 01:16

    What a wonderful little ATC Alison! I am in awe of the way you add inks and crackle - layer on layer and still everything shows through in a misty kind of way - this is just beautiful!! A lovely project using the items in your travel bag! Julia xx

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  2. Helen8 January 2018 at 06:43

    How beautiful! The colours are right up your street, too.

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  3. Gina8 January 2018 at 08:25

    Stunning creation...my garden looks just like this today :D and I love how the crackles are white rather than dark XXX

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  4. Neet8 January 2018 at 08:31

    I love it! It has an ethereal quality about it. Also reminds me of a frozen sprig of ivy on a cold January morning sitting just below a thin layer of ice. Lovely and such a step by step description too - the Alison way which I love.
    Hugs, Neet xx

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  5. craftytrog8 January 2018 at 09:37

    Very inspiring, I love everything about it Alison!

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  6. A Pink8 January 2018 at 11:01

    Alison tyour ATC does indeed pack a punch! The lovely layers, detail, colours and crackle so thoughtfully considered all come together to make a truly beautiful piece of art. Thanks for sharing the creative process .
    hugs x

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  7. simo8 January 2018 at 11:12

    I love this colour combo Alison and this ATC is absolutely perfect and packed with amazing techniques...Brava! Hugs xxx

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  8. sarascloset8 January 2018 at 11:28

    So many wonderful layers and textures in one tiny place! Love the soft colors and subtle crackle. Great use of the travel bag contents!

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  9. Sylvia/LittleTreasures8 January 2018 at 11:59

    I'm liking the contents of this travel bag. Thanks for sharing the adventure of it's creation. Just love the texture, colors and your ending destination. Your inspiration with this tiny little marvel is a crafty treasure.

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  10. Marci8 January 2018 at 13:01

    It reminds me of a wintery, misty day. Beautiful!

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  11. Mac Mable8 January 2018 at 14:44

    It certainly does pack a punch, absolutely fabulous. Great colours and techniques and love the milky effect x

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  12. Jennie Atkinson8 January 2018 at 15:55

    Gorgeous layers, textures and colours Alison! Wonderful use of the travel bag contents - which were just made for you I think! Jennie x

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  13. Dorthe8 January 2018 at 16:01

    Such beauty in mini format dear Alison, the wonderful layers speak to me, as does the ivy so wonderfully painted, and glazed, I love it - what a great travel bag ,to create with !! xx

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  14. Annie8 January 2018 at 16:49

    Love your ATC Alison xx The travel bag contents are just perfect for you and I so love all the amazing details you have incorporated and great words too xx
    Beautiful !


    Hugs Annie xx

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  15. Corrie Herriman8 January 2018 at 18:48

    Beautiful !
    Corrie xx

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  16. froebelsternchen8 January 2018 at 18:58

    Just one single word from me:

    B E A U T I F U L

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  17. Astrid Maclean8 January 2018 at 19:33

    The travel back contents were indeed right up yur street, and you have used them to perfection! Fabulous ATC!!!

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  18. SewPaperPaint8 January 2018 at 20:14

    I echo the other remarks on that gorgeous, delicate crackle Alison! I love how you used the ivy die and the beautiful serene colors you always develop. A great inspiration! Hugs, Autumn

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  19. Redanne8 January 2018 at 20:42

    What a wonderful use of the contents of the travel bag Alison, the background is beautiful, the crackle looks amazing and the colours are perfect - and so very you! Love this. Anne xx

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  20. Craftyfield9 January 2018 at 06:46

    I wish I could take the time to dive in and CASE this make right now! As usual, Alison has given us, subtle colours, interesting textures and the whole is just so beautiful...

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  21. Aimeslee Winans9 January 2018 at 08:42

    Gorgeous! xoxo

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  22. Inky and Quirky Designs9 January 2018 at 22:34

    Simply and utterly beautiful creation Alison, love the crackle too
    Hugs
    Donna xx

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  23. pearshapedcrafting11 January 2018 at 08:09

    This is so beautiful Alison!The travel bag contents could have been chosen for you....but who knows what next week will bring? Chrisx

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  24. maj.11 January 2018 at 20:42

    Lovely ATC!!!!!

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  25. Deb12 January 2018 at 19:07

    That is stunning Alison, so many gorgeous details and layers in such a small and delightful package, inspired use of the travel bag contents, thanks so much for sharing it! Deb xo

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  26. Cathy23 January 2018 at 20:33

    Gorgeous project, love the colours, Cathy x

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