PEP tangles - my Zentangle Inspired Art blog

Thursday 12 April 2012

Immortal Imagery & Iconography Alphatag

I cannot remember when my delight in peacocks began but I recently decided to research their symbolical meaning when used in artwork &/or architectural ornamentation. I was astonished to discover that the early Christians adopted the peacock as a symbol of immortality because by shedding its feathers annually & replacing them with brighter ones the bird represents the resurrection of Christ. There was also an ancient legend that peacock flesh does not decay after death. Having imagery & iconography in my head not to mention immortality plus the current Christian festival of Easter  it seemed logical to work with these ideas for my Baroque Guild "I" Alphatag. I inadvertently used the Imperial purple but it is rather apt.

front of tag
close-up of upper section showing stamped text, small
heat embossed cross & sequin embellishment 
close-up of central section showing gold peacock
overstamping of patterned paper 
close-up of lower section showing heat embossed
large cross & "I" plus die-cut corner embellishment
back of tag showing tone
on tone stamping
close-up showing paper pierced scallops
& inked edges of theme panel

Recipe
Stamps Chocolate Baroque UA5SP0386 Easter Traditions (crosses & text), UA4SP0183 Peacock Fan (peacock) & UA4SP0171 Peacock Glory (feather); Elusive Images UDLHC0181 Sketchy Alphabet (letter "I").
Inks Memento Grape Jelly (text, tone on tone stamping & inking various cardstock edges); Encore Gold (peacock); Emboss Tinted Embossing Stamp Pad with Stampendous Detail Gold Embossing Powder (crosses & letter "I").
Pens etc...  Staedtler Triplus Fineliner.
Cardstock Gold & an assortment of purples in various finishes from stash.
Paper Graphicus Guild Membership Pack.
Dies Sizzix Movers & Shapers L Die - Tag & Bookplates, Cuttlebug Vintage Corner.
Punch Woodware (scalloped rectangle).
The gem, brad, sequin leaves & ribbon are from stash.

16 comments:

jackiescrafts said...

This is gorgeous Paula I love the way you have incorporated the peacock feathers with the crosses and the text is great too
Jackie x

Aquarius said...

This is so beautiful and again you have come up with words for the letter which didn't even cross my mind - I do hope I receive one of your tags at some point during the swap

Elizabeth Allan said...

Another amazing tag Paula. The facts and literature about the peacocks was extremely interesting and allowed me to see how this influenced the creative design of your tag. The rich purples and golds lend a very majestic quality to the design.

craftimamma said...

I'm with Aquarius here Paula. The thought and research you put into your creations is amazing not to mention the beautiful stamping and precision cutting. Fabulously rich colours too.

I hope I'm lucky enough to get one of your tags as well.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Sally H said...

Wow! This is a stunning tag. The research you do for each one is brilliant. I had heard that peacocks were associated with death, but resurrection is so much more positive! Stunning delicate work and a great colour combo too

Lorraine said...

hiya Pepie good to see you posting i am loving this tag huni the gorgeous stamps are devine i love the gold embossing on the purple it looks fab hun and the peacock stamps i just love xx

brenda said...

I'm running late Paula, but pleased I got here eventually.

Impressive research again adn a stunning tag. The little gold leave are so pretty and the single gem in the centre of the cross picks our the corner perfectly.

Have a good weekend.

B x

veronica said...

they're both gorgeous tags Paula, love the original way your mind works! Am hoping I might get one of these - but will have to get a move on and actually start on mine..........

xxxtglxxx said...

Oooh, such a lot of thought went into this tag Paula. :) I never knew about the symbolism of peacocks or any legends either.

Gorgeous background stamping, it really looks soft and feathery. The embossed crucifixes are really eye-catching and have such a lot of detail too.

Hope you had a great Easter, and have a smashing weekend hun :)

hugs

xxalisonxx

GinaA said...

Beautifully executed as usual Paula, your attention to detail is second to none. A truly inspirational tag in every way.

veronica said...

Paula, updated blog to add pearl background - thanks for lovely comments

Sharon Traynor Designs said...

What a gorgeous tag Paula. I just had to pop over from the MCC classroom to see what you've been up to lately. Fab work!

Kath Stewart said...

a stunning tag Paula...love the colour combo and thanks for the reminder...just had lunch...hugs kath xxx

Unknown said...

how beautiful-- both visually and in its meaning! i learned something about peacocks i didn't know, too:)...i love the wording you chose as well!

have a great weekend!!! love reading the comments you leave, friend! they always make my day sweeter!

xx

Pink Dandelion said...

Stunning tag Paula, love the colour combination of gold and purple especially the subtle gold peacock background with the darker purple and the gold embossing. Take care Debs xx

Jean said...

Paula both of your tags are amazing, I love the colours in this one and the wording.The bit about peacocks is very interesting, I didn't know any of that. I love your H tag too, you have a wonderful way with words to come up with such interesting themes.Sorry I didn't take a look here sooner but I try not to look at others tags until I've finished my own, and I have only just done that.Jean x