Just For Fun - A Look Back At 2011

I've had such a wonderful year of card making and I've learned so much, I thought I'd share some of my thoughts with you as we look forward to 2012.

Let's start with gadgets.  I have two contenders for this award.  The runner-up is this little beauty:
I'm really sorry, because I threw the packaging away and can't even think who makes these, but what a brilliant item.  I always struggled with glitter and embossing powder, trying to save it and pour it back into the container but this item is fabulous for getting everything back into the pot. But the winner in this catagory is, without a doubt:

my wonderful, clever, Stamp-a-ma-jig.  Who would have thought a simple piece of plastic could change your life?!  If you want to know why, let me explain.
It's very simple.  It can help you turn this:

into this:


Thankyou, Stampin Up! I love it.

Okay, second award.  I am presenting this to the pad of paper I have used the most this year.  The runner up is:
The Linen Closet by DCWV.  This is one of the most beautiful set of papers I've ever worked with, and enabled me to make a card like this:


But the winner, to my absolute surprise (!) is a collection called The Thrift Shop by October Afternoon.  I was amazed at how many different cards I made from one 8x8 paperpack.
For example:

and not forgetting:

So I'd just like to say a big thankyou to October Afternoon - you make amazing papers that are a pleasure to work with.

Next comes my favourite stamp of the year, and believe me, this one took a great deal of thought.  There are so many stamps I've enjoyed using this year, particularly from Little Claire Designs, LOTV and of course, Stampin Up!
But the outright winner, a stamp I'll never be giving away, is this one:

It's from Penny Black, and I love it.

And so to my last catagory of the year.  This award is for the most inspiring blog that I've come across and stuck with this year.  The one you read on your reading list when you've only got five minutes but can't resist looking. 
I've only been following this blog for a few months, but I can't get enough of it.  You can't go wrong if you drop into Crafting Clare's Paper Moments on a regular basis.  It's owned by Vicky Hayes, who is a Stampin Up demonstrator.  I am so inspired by everything she makes. 

And last but not least, I would like to say thankyou, and a Happy New Year to my lovely followers.  You are the ones who make blogging worthwhile and a lot of fun.  I hope you have a great 2012 and achieve all those crafting goals you are aiming for. 
Happy New Year, everyone,
Jane xx

Comments

  1. ted and bunny2 January 2012 at 18:53

    hiya- wishing you a very happy new year and hoping that you have a wonderfully crafty and inspired year!

    Hope the horses are all well and not getting too muddy (vain hope I expect!)
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jean3 January 2012 at 00:49

    Worthy awards all. And that glitter pan thingie is really clever.

    Wishing you tons of inspiration for 2012.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Vicky Hayes3 January 2012 at 11:45

    Oh Jane I am so honoured to be on your list and am delighted if I've inspired you in any way! I'm so pleased to have discovered your blog last year too and thoroughly enjoy my visits here. Hope you have a very happy 2012! Vicky x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sarn6 January 2012 at 10:06

    What a great post. It's very interesting to see your favourite things of the year.

    I was so inspired by Vicky Hayes's blog that I'm now in her SU team and loving it!

    xxx

    ReplyDelete

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