Goodbye 2019, Hello 2020.

I read earlier today something that shocked me when I stopped to think about it: 

1990 was 3 decades ago! 

Time seems to move so quickly and becomes so scarce. I can remember where I was in 1990 and it certainly doesn't feel like it was 3 decades ago!  

There are projects that I wanted to achieve during the past year that have fallen by the wayside, but there have also been other new ventures that I didn't have planned. 

As 2020 is only one more sleep away, here I am having my usual annual stumble through the past 12 months.  Thank you if you've stayed with me this year. I seem to be getting fewer visitors and even fewer comments on my blog, and I'm not a huge fan of Facebook, although I have tried to keep my Instagram diary mirroring my blog. 

I appreciate that it's more convenient for you to click a 'like' button than it is to type out a comment and I also acknowledge that I've been writing less myself for the same reason. If you do leave a comment, please know that I really do appreciate it because I know that it takes more of your own previous time.

Anyhoo, brace yourself for a photo-laden finale to 2019. I've selected my favourite card from each month and if you last until the end of this post then I'll share an extra little insight into my new hobby. 

In the meantime, I wish you all a happy, healthy and creative 2020. 

January 

I had 3 cards featured in Making Cards magazine this month, with a tutorial on Sunsets and Moonscapes. This was my first card and I loved the warm colours in the coldest month!

February

I was so excited to join the Design Team at Lee Holland and this was my first card. Unfortunately my excitement was short lived because the team was disbanded when Lee cut back his store's promotions.

March

I love the Stuffies from Stamping Bella and these Honeybears in particular.  I think they remind me of Winnie the Pooh, my favourite Honey Bear!

April

I spent a long time colouring this card for a friend, but the card was unfortunately lost in the post and never reached her. For this reason I'm giving it another outing here so it's not lost entirely.

May

I really loved this card-stand die, especially with this Crealies XXL stitched circle propped on it. 

June

I made this clock for a colleague who had a baby boy and it reminded me how much I like making non-card projects too. She wanted a jungle theme for her son so the Lee Holland giraffe and ellie seemed ideal.

July

Shaped cards are another thing I like to make and I'd been wanting to use this cute giraffe from LOTV for ages. It seemed the perfect opportunity to combine the two into a babygro card.

August

Bunnies are one of my favourite critters and LOTV make some of the cutest!

September

I really liked the moonlit background for these robins. 

The card was really easy to colour too so it became a favourite because I liked the effect.

October

In a break from my CAS cards, October's selection is fully loaded.

A wedding card is always a great excuse for extra embellishments!

November

While getting in full swing ready for Christmas I tried a lighter touch with my paintbrush and I liked the way she turned out.

December

Finishing off the year with one of my favourite images, another from the Stuffie clan!

So if you've stayed for the duration, I threatened you with news of a new hobby. I was coerced by my bestest pal (and partner-in-craft) to try crochet during the summer.  After starting with a scarf and some fingerless gloves I optimistically decided to dive straight into something a little more adventurous and made a mini-stocking advent calendar bunting for her.  While she might get me into a lot of crafting trouble, I do happen to think she's worth it! (Love you sweetie!)

Here's a close-up of one of the mini-stockings.

They were each filled with a Lindt chocolate ball.

That's all Folks.

Happy crafting, and Happy New Year! 

See you on the other side.
Annette
xx