Saturday 31 December 2022

Farewell 2022....Hello 2023.

Well another year is ending, and thankfully I didn't break any of my resolutions this year (mainly due to the fact that I gave up making any, but let's not dwell on that).  

Anyway, my traditional Dec 31st round-up is due, and I'm saying farewell to the old year with some of my favourite creations from the past twelve months.

Yet again, I express my sincere thanks to those who've continued to craft alongside me this year.  Some of my posts here have no comments now, so I fear that blogging is a forgotten trend in favour of the instant gratification of a 'like' button on the other Social Media platforms, but that just makes the few faithful commenters much more valued. I really am grateful that you take the time to do so, and I do read every single comment. 

So, please brace yourself for a photo-laden farewell to 2022.  

I wish you all a happy, healthy and creative 2023. 



My 12 Favourite Creations of 2022:


1)  I had a fear of colouring these intricate butterfly images when I first bought them, so I was delighted how this one turned out during my drive to use some of my older stamps at the start of the year (yeah, those good intentions didn't last long!!!).  Sadly the owner of Stamping Bella passed away a few months ago, which makes these stamps even more treasured.




2)  This card was also an older image, but also one of my oldest layouts with a strip of pretty ribbon covering the join of a duo of patterned papers and decorated with a double bow and paper flowers. The LOTV image is one of my favourites too. He is just calling out for a hug!




3)  I love making shaped cards, and this little Kitten Chef was perfect for decorating a cupcake shaped card.  I also took more time to stencil the backgrounds of my images this year to give a little more interest to the image.



4)  I experimented with different shapes of standard basecard shapes too, trying not to stick with my usual 6" squares.  Also I invested in a few new embossing folders which I loved using, so I've built up a better collection now.




5)  I still love making tags, especially large ones using my Crealies XXL tag dies because they can have as much decoration as a card, but make a gift extra-special.   This squirrel image is from Lee Holland, another designer who I'm honoured and delighted to design for as I love his style of images, especially the woodland creatures he draws, like this squirrel.





6)  I ventured outside of my comfort zone with this card created for Papermill Direct using some silhouette stamps on some of their lovely Kraft card. The cards were very simple, but quite effective and I enjoyed making them.



7)  I also tried learning how to use my Silhouette a little more, and this Autum card featuring a foxie from Lili of the Valley was one of the results of those trials.




8)  As a DT member for Amanda Jayne Designs, I loved some of the new characters she created, including this adorable polar bear.  I also decided to try a foiling machine, which I've been using to create foiled sentiments, like the one on this cute but simple Christmas card.



9)  Another shaped card I enjoyed making this year was a simple hexagon fold, which was very simple to create. I did use a hexagon die which made it even easier, and a simple coloured image with very few embellishments seemed to look very effective. This cutie is a DT card from another of my favourite stamp companies, Lili of the Valley.



10)  I couldn't have a 'favourites' list without including a 3D project or box of some kind, and this cracker gift box is of my favourites of the year.  Another image from Amanda Jayne and a box cut using my Silhouette and some gorgeous Marine Blue card from Papermill Direct.



11)  One last shaped card in the form of this very simple snowflake die cut card.  I did invest in quite a lot of large dies this year, and this was a good investment as I used it a few times to make a quick but interesting cardbase. The white layer is a gorgeous white glitter card which is beautifully sparkly. I couldn't actually bear to part with this card, so it's the one I gave to hubby (which effectively means I get to keep it afterwards!!!).



12)  And finally, I was so incredibly honoured (and stunned) to be one of the winners of this year's My Favorite Things Card Superstars with this Clean and Simple card created using their stamps.  I've entered a few times in previous years without success, and the quality of entries is high, so I am extremely proud to have been selected this year. I've kept the card as another one that I can't bear to part with because of this!




Well that's all folks. My favourite 12 cards of 2022, and why.
I look forward to crafting with you next year, but for now, have a lovely New Year's Eve, and I'll see you on the other side.

Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Friday 30 December 2022

Owl Treat Box

I've got one final Christmas crafting creation to share with you before the New Year.

Because I believe that my husband has enough tat, rather than gifting him material items for Christmas this year, I have purchased a full-day 'bird of prey' hands-on flying and handling experience.  He really loves birds of prey so it's been a very successful present which he is really looking forward to.

I was really pleased with this Owl Treat Box to disguise the voucher using a Silhouette cutting file by Tanya Batrak. The top opens up like a Pillow Box, and I've popped the voucher and brochure explaining the day inside its belly. 

Thursday 29 December 2022

Christmas Puddings

No, I've not been baking, but I have been making some Christmas puddings!

These are some more of the cards I made for hubby's work buddies.   Tent fold cards, with a small slice cut off the base of the circle so that it doesn't roll.

Wednesday 28 December 2022

Nice Baubles !!

Despite me asking him in November if he needed any cards for his work buddies, my hubby left it until one week before Christmas to tell me he needed 20.

An order for 20 cards one week before Xmas!!!

Men!!!!

Luckily I managed to churn out 4 of these 'conveyor-belt-style' in an hour or so, but I ran out of red glitter so then had to find another design for the rest!!!

I cut these with my Silhouette by adapting a Christmas Ball Box shape cutting file designed by Daniela Moscone. They're a base of Smooth PostBox Red, with some pearl white and red glitter. The tops are pearl and mirror gold layered.

It's a tent-fold base, so it could be made into a card rather than a tag.





Sunday 25 December 2022

Santa couldn't bring me a better gift than you

This card is for my Bestie, and the words say it all.

The front says "Santa couldn't bring me a better gift than you", 

and the inside message reads: "If we end up on Santa's Naughty List, at least it'll be together!"


Merry Christmas Everyone. 





Designed for:
Lee Holland

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:
  • Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
  • Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Saturday 24 December 2022

Have a Cracking Christmas

As per usual, I had over-optimistic hopes of making more of my Christmas decorations this year, including reworking on old festive garland for my fireplace, but as per usual I'm now accepting those ideas will have to be repeated (and likely failed again) next year.  But one project I have managed to complete is my Christmas Crackers.

There are 5 of us for Christmas Day, and I purchased a set of 5 mini-torches (that turned out to be not-so-mini) for the gifts.  Because they were larger than I'd expected I had to make the crackers fairly large, and they actually are made to fit, so you can probably see how large they are.

I've watercoloured and die cut 5 pingus ready to 
decorate my Christmas table! As well as its torch gift, each cracker contains a paper hat, a snap and a semi-personalised corny Christmas joke.

The crackers are all colour co-ordinated (yes, I really am that fussy!!!) so their contents (hat and torch) all match the colour of the pingu's outfit. The pretty papers are a digi from Nitwit Collections which I've printed onto some Smooth White Card 160gsm

I fear that all my attention to detail will be completely lost on my family who will happily watch my heartbroken smile droop when they pull, snap and rip their carefully crafted crackers open at the Christmas table.













Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs
Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:
  • Penguins: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
  • Green: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Blues: Prize Ribbon
  • Purples: Milled Lavender, Wilted Violet
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
  • Silvers: Speckled Egg
Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
  • Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Party
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Tuesday 20 December 2022

Winter Wonderland

Today's card is quite simple with a pretty paper framed watercoloured image. I've added a Winter Wonderland die-cut sentiment which I've cut in white glitter card, and layered onto the same patterned paper and red card, and a sparkly die-cut poinsettia.






Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs
Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:
  • Bear: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
  • Penguin: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Dried Marigold, Rusty Hinge, Tattered Rose
  • Greens: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
  • White: Hickory Smoke

Card Recipe:

Papermill Direct:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Sunday 18 December 2022

Teddy with Christmas Lights

I've watercoloured one of Lee Holland's new teddy bear images and created a simple single layer card with a little foiling on the printed sentiment.






Designed for:
Lee Holland

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:
  • Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Whites: Hickory Smoke
Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
  • Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Ice Cold
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Saturday 17 December 2022

Jolly Holly Penguin

I've watercoloured this adorable Penguin and framed him with a Sweet Dixie holly border. The pretty papers are in the same red, pink and green colour combo, with a sprinkling of glitter (compulsory at this time of year) to decorate.







Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs
Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:
  • Penguin: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Dried Marigold, Rusty Hinge
  • Holly: Bundled Sage, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

Papermill Direct:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Friday 16 December 2022

Penguin with Balloon

I'm running out of days, so I am sneaking in a quick single layer card using this adorable Penguin which I've watercoloured and matted onto red card before fixing onto my cardbase.  I've typed the sentiment and inked over it with a sparkle gel pen.







Designed for:
Lee Holland
Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:
  • Penguin: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Wild Honey
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Reds: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany

Card Recipe:

Papermill Direct:
I've been inspired by:
  • Simon's Wednesday Challenge - Ice Cold
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Tuesday 13 December 2022

Polar Gifts

I've still got a few Christmas cards to share in the final run up to Christmas this year.  Today's is a watercoloured polar bear which I've embellished with red and white flowers and a pretty double satin ribbon bow.








Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:
  • Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
  • Present: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • Greys: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot

Card Recipe:

Papermill Direct:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx


Monday 12 December 2022

Penguin Pair Snowflake

I love this snowflake shaped card for Christmas and I've decorated this one in green glitter card and an adorable watercoloured penguin duo.  The glittery card is a really beautiful way to frame the cute image. Using a framed die, it's really easy to create too. I've made the fold on the top left corner so that it stands up nicely too, rather than sliding flat onto a table when it's legs spread like Bambi on ice!






Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs
Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:
  • Penguins: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
  • Green scarf: Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss
  • Red scarf: Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany
  • Sky: Tumbled Glass
  • White: Speckled Egg, Weathered Wood
Card Recipe:
Papermill Direct:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Thursday 8 December 2022

Daphne the Donkey

It's our last challenge of the year at As You Like It Challenge and we have an 'anything goes for Christmas' theme this week as a super easy way to finish the year.  

I've used a cute donkey digi from Amanda Jayne Designs with a Clean and Simple layout. I've also sprinkled in a spot of foiling on the sentiment, with all my accents in purple.








Designed for:
As You Like It Challenge
Amanda Jayne Designs
Papermill Direct

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:
  • Donkey: Hickory Smoke, Black Soot, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
  • Purples: Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord
  • Yellows: Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
Card Recipe:
Papermill Direct:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



Monday 5 December 2022

Reindeer Tag Team

There's a Amanda Jayne Designs freebie on the Advent Calendar at Kit and Clowder for today only, and I've made a couple of sweet samples using the image.  I've used my Silhouette machine to cut a slightly larger base layer in matching coloured card to frame it, and then cut another white layer for the reverse.  

I've given one of the reindeer a bit of a makeover with eye-lashes which I was nervous about doing, but was pleased with how it turned out.  The backgrounds for both are stencilled in Distress Ink. 










Designed for:
Amanda Jayne Designs

Water-coloured on Ecoline Watercolour Card with Ranger Distress Ink Reinkers:
  • Fur: Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Tattered Rose, Tea Dye
  • Antlers: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain
Card Recipe:
Papermill Direct:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx