Monday 30 December 2013

Back from the wilderness


Hi everyone,
Well here I am, posting for the first time in almost three months. Life really has got in the way of crafting over the latter half of the year ... first my mum passed away in July, and then my dad was taken ill in October and I had to have a bit off  time of work to be with him as he doesn't live near me.
 
Things have hopefully settled down now, but my mojo had completely disappeared so I decided not to put any pressure on myself with making Christmas cards etc. ... I just wrote off this year for that, sent the few I'd already made and bought the rest!! Meanwhile I have been gradually getting into a new hobby - after many years of never cooking, indeed never entering the kitchen unless under duress, I have rather belatedly discovered the joy of baking! I'm still at an early stage with it, but I'm also starting a baking blog for 2014 both to chart my baking adventures and to raise a bit of money for charity - so I hope you'll have a peek!!
 
Anyhow, I decided with the New Year approaching I would try to kick start a resurgence of my creativity; so today I sat down and made a DT card for later this week ... my first card since the start of October!! Having made that one I thought I may as well make another card to post while I'm still on my Christmas hols, so I pulled out some of the stash I  bought for Christmas cardmaking this year and never got to use! Here's the result ...

 
 Stamps: LotV "James - Santa Stop Here" and "Christmas Grungy Messages";
Media: Promarkers and Flexmarkers, with stickles on teddy's hat;
Papers: Forever Friends "Kraft Notes";
Supplies: sparkly silver ribbon from The Ribbon Girl; gems by Papermania;
Tools: Joycraft Snowflake dies; Martha Stewart "Snow Flurry" PATP edge punch.

 
 
Challenges:
Passion For Promarkers #228 - Mega Christmas Challenge
My Mum's - Christmas / Winter
Southern Girls - Christmas Wishes
Paper Crafting Journey - It's Christmas Time!
Crafty Calendar - Cold & Frosty!
A Creative Romance - Sparkle At Christmas
Live & Love Crafts - Stardust
Papertake Weekly - Pick Of The Year (Last Christmas Card of the Year)
Simon Says Wednesday - Bling It On!
Bearly Mine #117 - Anything Goes

Well that's all from me for today, and probably for this year. I'll be back soon though, and hope to be fully back into the swing of crafting for 2014!
 
Happy New Year!
 
hugs,

12 comments:

Sue said...

It's so lovely to see you back Pauline.
Your card is gorgeous. adorable image, beautiful colours and wonderful detailing.
Thank you for taking part in the Passion for Promarkers Challenge.
I wish you all the best for the New Year.
hugs Sue xx

Helen said...

Great to have you back in blogland Pauline...here's hoping that 2014 treats you well :0)
Love this card...James the bear is always a winner!
Your new baking blog looks delicious...I'm an avid baker so will add it to my blogroll so that I can drool over your tasty treats! :0)
Helen x

ribenaruby said...

Brilliant to hear from you Pauline...been thinking of you. Your card is beautiful, will take a peek at your new blog and wishing you only the best for 2014. Ruby x

Jane said...

Welcome back Pauline and I hope 2014 treats you more kindly. Sorry to hear how tough things have been. What a wonderful card to come back with.....gorgeous work. Enjoy baking Too! X

Kat W said...

It's lovely to have you back in blogland Pauline! This card is just beautiful - love the frosty colours and why have I never thought to colour James bear in grey?! He looks fab!
Hugs, Kat x

Claire said...

It's so lovely to see you back Pauline and with such a gorgeous card too! You certainly have not lost your mojo. Will be very interested in your baking blog, something I enjoy too, but just do not find the time. Hope 2014 is a much better year for you hun. Hugs, Claire x

Eulanda said...

This is absolutely ADORABLE!! Such a cute image and love that glitter! Thanks so much for joining our last challenge of the year "Stardust" at LLC and hope to see you play again! Happy New Year!
Hugs,
Eulanda
LLC Designer

Clur said...

Welcome back Pauline, I'm so glad that you've made your way back to card making. This card is totally adorable. I'll be looking at your baking blog too. See you soon, Clare xx

Donna said...

Wonderful card and such a creative design! Thanks for joining in with us a Passion for Promarkers :) Donna ♥ x

Julie said...

Fabulous card - great colours and love the image! Thanks for joining in our Mega Challenge at a Passion for Promarkers, good luck! Juliex

Teresa said...

Brilliant card, lots of lovely sparkle, thanks for joining us at A Creative Romance Sparkle challenge. Hugs Teresa

Unknown said...

Hi Pauline,
Sorry to read about the difficult period you've gone through. Hope you'll less sorrows this years. Gorgeous card; love the frosty look and the bear is such a cutie.
Thanks for sharing with us at LLC.
Hugz,
Sandy
Owner & Operator @ Live & Love Crafts