2013 - My First Blogging Year in Review (and some favourites)

Hi there

Well, as 2013 comes to a close I wanted to share some thoughts and favourites with you.

I started making cards quite a few years ago but I never really stuck with it for any length of time.  So last year, after seeing some blogs listed in a magazine, I decided to have a look and find out what it was all about.  That was it, from that moment I was hooked and I've become addicted to cardmaking more than ever before.  Having absolutely no clue about how to create a blog, after a few months of following some of you 'Neet & Crafty' was born.  And what a wonderful year I've had!

It seems to be a crafty blog tradition with many of you to review and share your favourite creations from each year so I've decided to do the same.  I was going to pick a card from each month but most of my favourites were from the latter part of 2013.  Some of my early designs, well, what was I thinking! haha

So here goes...

Please click on the date link if you would like to see the original post.

26 February - This was my first really CAS card and I still love it.  All the lovely comments also gave me a real boost.  The photography, however, was rubbish! :D

1 March - This card gave me my first challenge recognition, Top 3 Featured Member at Muse.  You've no idea how happy this made me!

16 June - I was so delighted with this card.  I just loved the mix of Clearly Besotted Stamps products and the colour combo.

23 June - The combination of a natural card base, kraft cardstock and the gorgeous papers from Fancy Pants just made me smile.

23 July - I was so happy with this card, this subtle colour combo turned out to be one of my favourites

7 September - I think this is at the top of my favourites list, the anniversary card I made for my best friend.  I love everything about it, especially the buttons :)

12 September - I was so pleased with this New Home card I made for my brother and his girlfriend.  I love the simplicity and of course, the button and jute twine.

4 October - I had this stamp unused in my stash for months and once I inked it up I just loved it.  And clearly, as the year's gone on, I think clean and simple has become my favourite style.

9 October - I made this card with two new die purchases and was so happy with it.  I still have a very limited die collection but I will certainly be purchasing more in 2014.  I think they just add that little something extra.

5 November - I really struggle with masculine cards so was really happy when I managed to create this one for my chap's birthday.  I think I may create some more versions in the future, based on this design.

10 November - I wanted to include this one as I tried two new techniques and was really pleased with the result.  The first was embossing with dies which creates a lovely effect and adds interest to a one layer card.  The second technique was creating a background of words, it took me ages but worked really well in the end.

7 December - I wouldn't normally use flowers on a wedding card but loved the end result of this one.  These stamps from Uniko Studio had been on my wishlist for so long and I'm so glad I finally managed to purchase them.

And there you have it, I managed to choose 12 cards, albeit not one from each month.  CAS is definitely becoming the style that I love the most and I think this is the general direction in which I aim to continue.

I want to thank each and every one of you whether a follower, subscriber, reader or fellow blogger for all your wonderful comments, hints and tips, product advice and for generally making me feel so welcome in this crafting community.

I also want to specifically send a massive THANK YOU to Stephanie at Clearly Besotted Stamps for asking me to Guest Design for her September release, I feel so honoured to have been part of your team.  And special thanks also goes out to Lizy at Lizy's House of Cards for thinking of me and asking me to Guest Design for Sketch Saturday throughout October.  I had a wonderful time so thank you both SO MUCH xx

So all that remains is for me to say Happy New Year to you all.  I hope you have a fabulous night tonight whatever you're up to and I wish you and your nearest and dearest all the best for a happy and healthy 2014.

Much love