This is my last post before I take a little blog break to spend time with family and friends. I will try to catch up on any posts over the Christmas period.
I cannot think of any words that are sufficient to say how much I value your friendship and support. I started my little blog earlier this year after a very long spell of illness and it has been a life saver for me. You have all made it so worthwhile and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have encouraged me, supported me, made me smile, made me laugh and sometimes cry..... but never in a bad way. I look forward to better things for all of us next year and I wish you and your families the happiest of Christmases and a very healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. Thank you all!
So why the title 'Twas the night before Christmas'? Well, a couple of weeks ago I wanted to enter a challenge at Simon Says where we had to create something, inspired by any of Tim's 12 Tags.
I wanted to re-create Day 10 of 2009, where Tim used sticky backed metal sheets and alcohol inks. I tried and tried to get it right and after three attempts I managed a version of it but I missed the deadline for the challenge. In any case I was still not happy with the result - I do have a love/hate relationship with alcohol inks, but was determined to finish it and here it is:
Twas the night before Christmas is one of my favourite poems - the word Christmas is on the little tag dangling from the tag. I used the same techniques as Tim did and I added a metal heart, coloured with alcohol ink (that went surprisingly well!), added some staples as Tim did and a ribbon dyed with Festive Berries DI. The pearls are TH Idea-ology.
If you click on the picture you will see the embossing a little more clearly.
Edited to add: I used the WordPlay die to cut the letters, they are arranged on the tag, the metal is laid on top. The next step is to gently go over and around the letters with an embossing tool. I then coloured the embossed tag with the alcohol inks and then gently sanded off the colour from the words so that the metal shows through.
I don't make New Year resolutions, as a rule, but this year I am going to try harder with all the craft products that I struggle with - including alcohol inks. Now there's a challenge!
Bye for now and hope to see you all soon. Again, hope you have a wonderful Christmas! Thank you again. Big hugs, Anne x
Merry Christmas Redanne! I always love to open your posts and see what wonderous treasures you have made...today was no disappointment!
ReplyDeleteWonderful!
Hi Anne, Your beautiful post is so straight from the heart - you are the type of person that makes the world ultra bright! I say WOWSER to your tag - it looks luminous and so wonderfully embossed? I dont know anything about alcohol inks yet - but there's always next year! May you and yours have a very lovely Christmas Anne and a healthy and happy 2013. Big hug, Nicola x
ReplyDeleteWow, it's absolutely stunning Anne! The motto of my junior school (oh a long, long time ago!) was Persevere... and you've proven its merit here - what an absolute triumph!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more with your words about Craftyblogland, as you know - so to your "thank you", I say "you couldn't be more welcome"!! Have a wonderful Christmas - see you on the other side!!
Alison xx
This is stunning Anne, I love the design and the colours are amazing.
ReplyDeleteYou are so inspiring Anne, in every way. You have put into words so perfectly about how blogging has helped you, I feel exactly the same and I thank you too for all of your support.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and I wish you a Happy New Year
Hugs Sue
Hi Anne, gosh I feel like we haven't spoken for years...been busy with my dad so time is not always on my side for comments, most of my buddies understand. Your little creation is stunning and like Sue, I agree how blogging has helped. Sure has with me being isolated caring 24/7. I will be having a new candy in January sometime so please keep your eyes and ears open....have a great Christmas and take care...luv n hugs, aussie aNNIe...
ReplyDeletehttp://annieforeva.blogspot.com.au
That's a gorgeous tag, I think the ai love you anyway! lol I am so glad you are one of my bloggy friends, I know that we would have such fun if we lived closer together!! Merry Christmas! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)
ReplyDeleteHi Anne, this is another stunning project you've accomplished, I love the colours and esp the embossed effect of the letters. Next year will probably see me experimenting with alcohol inks as you always inspire me with these things but not good for the pocket but then it's only money hey!
ReplyDeleteI'm very glad I found your blog and your friendship too. Please make sure you and family have a fantastic Christmas and hope to catch up again in 2013
Crafty hugs,
Elaine
I think you are a bit hard on yourself Anne. Your tag is grand! And from my favourite Christmas poem too.
ReplyDeleteMy firend "Whatif" takes me here and there and everywhere someimtes it works, sometimes it doesn't but you know what --- it doesn't matter!
I have loved your blog and meeting you and learning a little about you this year. Thank you for the comments and affirmative words. There have been days when my spirit was annointed with the soothing balm of positives, even though I sometimes was also jumoing onto wholesale sites to investigate something you had found:)
I hope you and your family have the loving,happy time you are hoping for. Be safe. With love. Julie
Anne, I liked YOURS better than I did TH! I think you did a fantastic job on this one!! But I'll still look forward to what you share in 2013. BTW, my Vagabond arrived this past week. So feel free to use the email if it would help. Your UK company may have a different policy, but if so, I'd try contacting the US site & let them know the problems, and what results you got. Not good PR for them IMHOpinion. Merry Christmas, many hugs, and thanks for all the inspiration at your post. I'm hoping to play blog post surfing catchup while I'm away.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing tag, Annie! No one would ever believe that you struggle with alcohol inks, judging by your beautiful work. You are too hard on yourself! The mighty Tim himself would say the same!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, too, Annie, for your love and friendship and support and encouragement and even tangible gifts! I'm happy to have lifted you up, as you have done for me. Can't wait to hear how your holiday was and see pictures! Mwah! Darnell
Gorgeous tag AGAIN Anne! Your talent continues to grow post after post. Make no mistake, I come here for inspiration!!!! Have a wonderful holiday break and we'll see you in the new year. You are a wonderfully generous person and I'm honoured to have you as a crafty friend. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
ReplyDeleteHuge hugs,
Juliaxxxx
Merry Christmas Anne and thank you so much for your lovely Christmas message (hope my reply got back to you, I wasn't sure if it sent!) and thank you for visiting my blog as well and your comments..it's been great to see that we have very similar crafting tastes...even down to this poem, which is also my favourite at Christmas. Have a wonderful Christmas break and see you t'other side!
ReplyDeleteYour tag is fabulous, I find all your makes so inspiring and am so glad I found your blog via Hels S! Sending extra big Christmas hugs, Carole Z XXX
this is truely amazing Anne - looks so much fun - will have to have a go - and congrats again on your win at ssss - I couldn't think of a nicer person to win - and just a perfect Christmas present for you! Enjoy your Christmas Anne and all the best for the New year xx
ReplyDeleteLovely message Anne, straight from the heart and it is so good to have you as a blogging friend. Thanks for all the fun and inspiration and to add my own comment.... people who don't make a mess or a mistake don't make anything. We own up to our mistakes and our messes and look how much we do!
ReplyDeleteYou experimented , made your errors (and I'm sure they weren't so bad!) then the end result through perseverance was this lovely tag. It's GREAT!
Happy Christmas and a crafty 2013
love jo x
And so my crafting friend, you treat us to a gorgeous tag which may have put you through the wringer but looks effortlessly beautiful. I'm so with you on the alcohol ink front as you know, although you're showing no signs of issues here. But then it comes down to our own harsher opinions of our work doesn't it!!
ReplyDeleteYou are an absolute gem in this crafting world of ours and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such a wonderful friend. A 'meet up' is definitely required next year. Have the best ever Christmas with your lovely family Anne. Huge hugs as ever, Jenny xxx
what a beautiful decoration anne...thank you for your gorgeous jacquie lawson card...made me tearful but in a happy way...wishing you and your family a fabulous fun filled christmas and a very happy 2013...hugs from kath & buddy xxx
ReplyDeleteA brilliant Tag Anne, just beautiful. I love the colours and design.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and all your Family.
luv
irene
xxxx
Same to you :-D
ReplyDeleteHugs, Suzanne xx
Brilliant tag, love it. xx Flora
ReplyDeleteThis is stunning Anne, I think you've definitely got the hang of alcohol inks.
ReplyDelete'Twas the night .....' is a bit of a family tradition with us. I had the book as a young girl and mum always used toe read it on Christmas Eve. When our two came along I bought the book and it came out every year and we read it before bedtime. Now I read the same book to Alex (a week early this year I know!) It's such a magical poem, I love it.
Like you, my blog has only been going a short time but I feel as though I've made some really good friends. Who knows we may even get chance to meet up in 2013.
Lots of love and best wishes for a very happy Christmas. Linda xx
Dear Anne we can't say enough about the lovely friendship that has developed between us all. Our love to you both, enjoy every minute.
ReplyDeleteLynn, Susand, Ruth and Kikki x x x x
Beautiful post, beautiful sentiments and a beautiful tag Anne - So sparkly and shiny - a bit like your lovely heart I think. I wish you a wonderful time Anne, full of love, life and laughter with Love n Hugs, from Mo xx*hugs*xx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous Tag Anne.. Brilliant embossing!! What a beautiful post... I wish you and your lovely family Anne a very Merry Christmas, & A Happy New Year.... Much love May x x x x x
ReplyDeleteLove this colorful make! I wish you the merriest Christmas ever!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Anne, I struggle with the AIs, too, but hon... you've mastered them! WIshing you and yours the most wonderful holidays.
ReplyDeletexx
Marjie
Hi Anne and I'm so very happy that you found blogging and the lovely online community that's out there. I'm very glad that I found your blog and I know I'll continue to be inspired by all that you create.
ReplyDeleteI think your tag is sensational and it's worth every minute you gave to getting the technique right, I know the alcohol's aren't that easy.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas, enjoy yourself!
Chris xx
Anne, I think this tag turned out great! I love how the letters fill up the whole tag and the coloring is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGreat tag there Anne and well done for persevering. I do like to get the alcohol inks out!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your kind comments this year, I really appreciate them.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Hugs
Hettie
xx
PS. You have just reminded me to get the book out of Night before Christmas for my usual Christmas Eve read!
xx
Merry Christmas dear blog friend, I value our blog friendship too! The tag is beaurifully done, I struggle with alcohol inks too, but this is made fabulously. I hope you havea wonderful time with your family and look forward to sharing with you in 2013. With great big festive hugs, barb xx
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas you Perky Sugar-Plum you! lol Now you had a freat elf name!!! Enjoy that time with family, it's so precious! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)
ReplyDeleteAnne your efforts with the alcohol inks were well worth it. Your tag is Beautiful! Hope your enjoying your little break. Have a Joyous New Year.
ReplyDeleteHugs Lynn
Hi Anne, what a lovely message at the start of your post. I have really enjoyed 'meeting' you and the other bloggers who have supported me this year.It's hard to put into words what it is about blogging but there is a sense that the people you make contact with do really care. Now down to business, I love your Night Before Christmas and I think you've made a great job of the alcohol inks. I also love your gift bags and was thrilled to see your name was picked on the SSS blog. Enjoy your spending and have a very happy and healthy new year. Best wishes to you and yours Toni x
ReplyDeleteomg Anne that is AWESOME, it just popped right off the page into my face, the colours, the words, perfection! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I just wanted to say a Happy New Year to you and yours and may 2013 be a good one for you... thank you for your continued support on my blog too x
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous as are all your projects Anne and what a lovely post. So glad to have 'met' you too. Happy 2013, let's hope it's a good one... :)xxx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful tag!
ReplyDeleteJust want to wish you a very Happy New Year!!! :)
Just diving in here to wish you the best for the New Year. Everyone else has had there's so let's go Canada...Let's party!!!
ReplyDeleteLet's hope 2013 will be the best one yet with health, wealth, happiness and lots of creativity thrown in! ;D
Good Luck to you and yours
Hugs Neesie ♥x♥x
Super tag and that poem is one of my Fav's too.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Ann.
Hugs Elaine
Happy New Year Anne I hope your xmas was good too. Thanks for your support this past year, I have really enjoyed following your work and am really looking forward to what you come up with this year.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the featured artist on Anything But A Card as well
Hello Anne
ReplyDeleteFinally I catch-up with you.
Those colours are gloriously intense and so use the metal sheets is such a brilliant idea.
For 2013 I send you wishes for a year filled with good times and good health and an abundance of creativity.
Lynne x
Hi, just wanted to wish you a most Happy New Year, and say that I'll be looking forward to seeing the lovely projects you share in 2013. Will hope that it will be a banner year for you & yours. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteJust popping back Anne to Wish you & your Family A Happy New Year.... Hugs May x x x
ReplyDeleteStunning tag! Really gorgeous xx
ReplyDeleteamazing and incredible tag,,,,,,,love these birght colors,,,,, very well done.Thanks for your comments on M. Antoniette May`s Happy Daze blog..She was working with my CS,,,,feel free to choose your favorite product from all my stuff free. E-mail me to nicecrane@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteTo me you are a wizard lady and I do love what you do. I think your tag is magical and I do appreciate the instructions. As you can see Anne - I am so far behind but hopefully will catch up!!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful 2013 my sweet friend with lots of good health!!
Sandy
A busy festive season for Anne hope you're back up to strength now. Congrats on your SSS win, have fun with that, look forward to seeing what you'll get. Gorgeous ATCs from Julie, I bet they're wonderful IRL and thank you for the mention and link up you're so sweet and lovely. I love your poinsettia card, a great idea as an aide memoir and I think you're right about the harlequin die, I keep thinking about buying that one too, useful for lots of things. It just remains to say All the very best for 2013 and lots of crafty adventures :D xxx
ReplyDeleteAplogies for my comment above Anne which ended up on the wrong post, blogger is not being kind at the moment! Off to put it in the correct post
ReplyDelete