Thursday 31 December 2020

Farewell to 'the year that shall not be named'

In many ways, the less said about 2020, the better.  At the risk of wishing our lives away, it's a year many of us are glad to see the back of, and 2021 is bringing a new year with fresh hope.

Despite all the extra time spent at home, I seemed to have been less productive and more procrastinated.

As we wave goodbye to 'the year which must not be named' here I am having my usual annual stumble through the past 12 months of crafting. 

My sincere thanks to those who've crafted with me this year.  Again I've noticed falling comments, so for those of you who do leave a short note, I am always grateful and I read everyone one. 

So, brace yourself for a photo-laden farewell to 2020.  As usual, I've selected my favourite creation from each month. 

In the meantime, I wish you all a happy, healthy and creative 2021. 


January 
Despite not being a fan of yellow, this bright springtime card for my Auntie was one of my faves.



February
A simple card for my Valentine!




March
Unfortunately the intended recipient of this card had to delay her retirement plans due to the events of 2020, but hopefully will get to enjoy her well-earned retirement this year instead.


April
This is one of my favourite Lee Holland images.



May
Sticking with the giraffe theme, this cutie was one of my fave crocheted creations of the year.  I'm hoping to do a bit more crochet next year.



June
I really love making these oversized tags for special gifts.



July
I've never really used stencils much, but actually really liked how this card turned out when I dabbled with a new stencil in July.



August
My favourite bear. I loved how he turned out on this card.



September
I made a couple of journals this year for my longest standing crafting buddies. They took quite a bit of thinking and time to plan out (oh, the irony!!!) and this is the front of one of them.



October
Sometimes I am in a clean and simple mood .......



November
.... and sometimes I'm in full and fussy mode ...



December
... and sometimes I decide to just make life difficult for myself with a fancy fold too!




That's all Folks.
Happy crafting, and Happy New Year! 
Let's hope 2021 is an improvement on its predecessor.
Annette
xx



Wednesday 30 December 2020

Wishing You Christmas Cheer

This was the card I made for the recent Dies to Die For Winter/Christmas Card Swap.  I stamped a couple of the images from the MFT SY Christmas Cheer set with pale grey ink to get a no-lines image and watercoloured as usual.  These no-lines images take me two or three times as long to paint as 'normal' images but I do love the softer look for a change.


Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
  • Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Yellows: Mustard Seed
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
  • Snow: Weathered Wood
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Tuesday 29 December 2020

Happy (*hic*) New (*hic*) Year (*hic*)

With just a few more days before we ring in the new year, for my Digi Choosday project this week I've made a bottle tag for our New Year tipple, using Winnie Winter Celebration and a sentiment from the Winnie Celebrations 2 Sentiments kit.





Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Browns: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
  • Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
  • Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint
  • Purples: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord, Wilted Violet
  • Oranges: Fossilised Amber, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
  • Snow: Weathered Wood
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Thursday 17 December 2020

Fancy Friendship

I really love making special cards for people who I think will understand how much effort (for 'effort' read: 'blood, sweat and tears') have gone into making their creation.  Today's card is one of two I've made for 2 special friends.  I can only share one here for now (I'm not sure if the other recipient has opened hers yet) but this version has been sent to a friend who I met at Uni, more than 20 years ago, when she was living in the UK. She's now back in her native Tokyo, but has previously sent me very intricate traditional Japanese cards, so I like to make more of an effort with a fancy fold or shape.  I've made a twist 'n' pop card which is actually easier than it looks and I was really pleased with the outcome.





Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:
  • Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo
  • Grass: Bundled Sage, Peeled Paint
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
  • Greys: Pumice Stone, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:


From Dies To Die For:

Other:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx




Wednesday 16 December 2020

Campfire

I've used the Happy Campers image from MFT to make this fun card.  I think the bunny is my favourite, but they all look adorable!
Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Bunny: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo 
  • Fox: Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo
  • Mouse: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot
  • Guitar: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
  • Grass: Twisted CitronMowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Tuesday 15 December 2020

Four Candles ....

This week I was challenged to make a card using 4 squares which I've done by making a Twist 'n' Pop card (admittedly mine turned out to be rectangles rather than squares), but it reminded me of the Two Ronnies sketch about the four candles/fork handles.  I've just watched it again and had a giggle!

For this week's Polkadoodles Digi Choosday, I've used 2 Cute Christmas Penguins (disguised as robins!) and Penguin Gifts to decoreate the insert for my Twist and Pop card. The front features Winnie Christmas Wishes Helping Hands and the papers are Lily Bug Love Heaven.  I've watercoloured my images using Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers.







I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Wednesday 9 December 2020

Snow Swissie

I'm trying to finish decorating one of my planners in time for the new year so today's image using the adorable Snow Swissie from CC Designs is featured on my January page.  I really love this image and it's the second time that I've inked her up recently.




Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Hair/Ground: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot 
  • Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
  • Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Blues: Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans, Chipped Sapphire
  • Yellows: Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:


From Dies To Die For:

Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Thursday 3 December 2020

Beary Merry Christmas

At As You Like It Challenge this week we're talking Christmas films.  My all-time favourite is The Snowman; I love the story and animation, and although it may be a few years old, I still enjoy watching it.  This image reminded me of the film with the little bear building his snowman friend, with help from the cute little critters.

Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
  • Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Oranges: Fossilised Amber, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
  • Snows: Pumice Stone, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Speckled Egg

Card Recipe:

I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Wednesday 2 December 2020

Hello Bear

Today I've been playing with this little bear!  

Of course his shirt had to be red!  ;0) 

Isn't he a cutie!
Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Fur: Scattered Straw, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
  • Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:


From Dies To Die For:

I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Tuesday 1 December 2020

Cute Snow Friends

For Digi Choosday today I've used Cute Snow Friends from Polkadoodles to make a sleeve wrap for my handcrafted advent calendar.  The pink gingham papers are actually from a freebie Easter paper pack but I think gingham can be used in any season, and I do like pink at Christmas!  

Here's the sleeve on the gatefold box that I've made using quite stiff mountboard...



... and here's the inside with some of the boxes which I cut with my silhouette, all perfectly sized for a small chcolate treat!



This is the sleeve on its own.  The ribbon is a gorgeous double sided satin (the other side is chocolate brown colour) but I did end up sticking it down a bit after I took this picture, because I noticed it was a little loose.  The join is hidden underneath the image.




Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Bear: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
  • Puppy: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
  • Scarves: Abandoned Coral, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
  • Sky: Weathered Wood
  • Penguin: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Wednesday 25 November 2020

Little Lion

I love Lee Holland images and this little lion is my latest indulgence.  I've finished him off with the fabulous Whimsy Stamps Birthday Shaddow die which has become my new favourite sentiment die.


Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tea Dye
  • Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:


From Dies To Die For:

I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting

Annette
xx



Thursday 19 November 2020

March of the Penguins

I have a real soft spot for penguins (from Pingu to Happy Feet to March of the Penguin), so these are the critters who I've chosen to feature on today's card.  




We had a fantastic penguin coastal zoo located about a mile from where we live.  My husband and I had an annual membership and I loved going there to visit the little waddlers when we walked down to the harbourside, but unfortunately the zoo was a casualty of this summer's lockdown and sadly they have closed permanently.  I've read in the local rag today that 12 of them have been moved to Wales, but I don't know what's happened to the rest. I really hope they've been rehomed.

Here's a picture of what it was like before it closed.  The penguins had right-of-way over the visitors, who had to wait if the penguins decided they wanted to go to another area of their enclosure.  I was really sad when it was announced they were closing.  There were other birds and sealife there, including some adorable otters.



Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:
  • Penguins: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
  • Purples: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord, Wilted Violet

Card Recipe:

I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Wednesday 18 November 2020

Bundles of Hugs

I've made another autumnal giant tag using my new Squirrel stamps.  The tag shape is made by combining some rounded rectangle and oval dies.







Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:
  • Fur: Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
  • Acorns: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
  • Flower: Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
  • Greens: Bundled Sage, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Ground: Pumice Stone, Black Soot

Card Recipe:


From Dies To Die For:

I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Tuesday 17 November 2020

Sending Wishes

I've made a sweet Thank You card using Maisie Mouse Sending Wishes and some papers from the Winnie Sugar Sprinkles Paper Heaven 3 Bundle.  I thought it looked like sweet little Maisie was writing out a thank you card herself!






Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Mouse: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
  • Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss, Old Paper
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
  • Ground: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Speckled Egg
  • Background: Tumbled Glass
I've been inspired by:
  • Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Thanks
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Sunday 15 November 2020

Notebook

I think this is my favourite image from the newly released James the Bear set from Lili of the Valley.  He looks like he' is holding his paws out for a hug!  I've used him to decorate the front of a planner that I've made.




Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Fur/Hair: Scattered Straw, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
  • Sky: Milled Lavender
  • Ground: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Speckled Egg

Card Recipe:

I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Saturday 14 November 2020

April Balloons

I've been playing with the new James images and love this one which reminds me of the film Up!  I've masked the little bear and inked up the sky using a cloud stencil and Milled Lavender DI.  He's been used to decorate April in my planner.



Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Fur: Scattered Straw, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
  • Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint
  • Blues: Chipped Sapphire
  • Oranges: Carved Pumpkin, Rusty Hinge
  • Sky: Milled Lavender
  • Purples: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord, Wilted Violet, Seedless Preserves
  • Yellows: Mustard Seed
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Aged Mahogany
  • Greys: Hickory Smoke

Card Recipe:

I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Wednesday 11 November 2020

Holiday Penguins

There is a cute penguin playing on today's card as I'm building up my Christmas card stash.

Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Penguin: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
  • Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Browns: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
Card Recipe:

From Dies To Die For:

Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Thursday 5 November 2020

Maisie Baking a Cake

At As You Like It Challenge we're asking if you prefer masculine or feminine themes, and it's safe to say that I much prefer making girlie cards.  Although I've not splattered today's card with flowers and gems, I think it's still pink and feminine. There's a sprinkling of ribbon and lace as well as an apron shaped card-base to complement Maisie the mouse who's doing a spot practice for an appearance on Bake Off.




Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
  • Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Stool: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Oranges: Fossilised Amber, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
  • Pinks: Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, Picked Raspberry
  • Ground: Pumice Stone, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Wednesday 4 November 2020

Go Nuts

These cute little squirrels from Whimsy Stamps have me going nuts for their cute antics. I've watercoloured this scamp and used my new MFT papers for an autumnal tag.



Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Fur: Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
  • Acorns: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Ground: Pumice Stone, Black Soot

Card Recipe:


From Dies To Die For:

I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Tuesday 3 November 2020

Winnie Winterland

I've made a diamond easel shaped cardbase featuring Polar Friends from the Winnie Winterland collection and some freebie papers (Nikky) and sentiment (Season's Greetings).  I think the diamond shape works really well with the circle panel. I followed a tutorial to make the cardbase.





Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Hair: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
  • Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick
  • Tree: Bundled Sage, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Snow: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
  • Penguins: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

I've been inspired by:
  • TBA
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Wednesday 28 October 2020

Snow White

I was itching to colour this little sweetie when she landed on my doormat and I've kept the layout really clean and simple to let her take the limelight.  I was really pleased with how she turned out, especially cos she was made for my bestie, so she needed to be what I call 'a warm-glow card'!




Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Greys: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot 
  • Skin: Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Worn Lipstick, Aged Mahogany
  • Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Yellows: Mustard Seed, Wild Honey
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Aged Mahogany
  • Greys: Pumice Stone, Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Speckled Egg

Card Recipe:


From Dies To Die For:

I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Thursday 22 October 2020

Puppy Present

Blue is one of my favourite colours, and I love pairing it with pink for a feminine touch.  I've used lots of both colours on today's cute puppy card. 



Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Blues: Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans
  • Pinks: Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick

Card Recipe:

Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Wednesday 21 October 2020

Foxies

I wanted these little foxies as soon as I saw them.  I love their cute expressions and I've used them to decorate July of my 2021 planner.










Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Fox: Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo
  • Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass

Card Recipe:


From Dies To Die For:

I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx




Tuesday 20 October 2020

Rudoph

For this week's Digi Choosday at Polkadoodles I've made an acetate panelled Christmas card featuring Rudolph. I love his cute little face peeking out from underneath that fluffy Santa hat!  I've die cut some snowflakes and stuck them onto the acetate and dry-embossed some snowflakes on the white frame too.  I've 'fussy cut' Rudolph out with my Silhouette so he looks like he's standing on the frame.  I've also popped an insert behind the panel so the text doesn't show through the acetate front when I write the card out.



Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs 
  • Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Barn Door, Aged Mahogany
  • 'Whites': Hickory Smoke

Card Recipe:

Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Wednesday 14 October 2020

Hooray Kind Of Day

I'm sharing another page from my decorated 2021 planner (original post).  This little fox and bear seemed like they were having fun in the sun, so I thought the month of May seemed appropriate for them to play in.
Here's a close up of the happy little duo from the MFT Hooray Kind of Day stamp set.





Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Bear: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs
  • Fox: Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo
  • Snail: Bundled Sage, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Wood: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
  • Grass: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Flowers: Crackling Campfire

Card Recipe:


From Dies To Die For:

Happy crafting
Annette
xx




Sunday 11 October 2020

Foxy Christmas

I'm on a mini-mission to build up my pile of Christmas cards to ensure that I've got enough for December!  It's never too early to start!



Water-coloured on Langton Watercolour paper with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:

  • Fox: Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose
  • Greens: Bundled Sage, Twisted Citron, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Tree Trunk: Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
  • Blues: Tumbled Glass, Broken China
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Friday 9 October 2020

Witch

This sweet little witch is one of the new releases from Lili of the Valley.  I've used her to decorate October from my decorated 2021 planner (original post).  



Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx