Craftyduckydoodah! Review of 2021 - part 1

Hello and welcome to part one of my review of 2021.  I have been doing these review posts for a couple of years now and find it useful to look back and remember what I have been up to.  Originally I intended to do just one post but in true Craftyducky style, more is best!  

January saw the start of Sale-A-Bration (SAB) with lots of free goodies with every £45 order. The Darling Donkeys stamp set proved very popular.

January also saw the release of the Stampin' Cut & Emboss machines.  Two fabulous machines that make die cutting so easy - have you got yours yet?  I resisted these new machines at first - after all, there was nothing wrong with my Big Shot machines.  However, I did succumb and found I much preferred the newer machines.  They are a lot lighter and the mini machine sits on my desk and is used a lot, the cutting action seems much smoother and easier.

The good news is, its almost time for SAB 2022!  If you haven't got copies of the new Spring/Summer and Sale-A-Bration brochures let me know - there are so, so many beautiful new products launching on the 4th of January.  

Dragonfly Garden

This simple card was my favourite make from January - a simple colour combo and scuffed edges ticks all the boxes for multiple makes.  This particular project had over 3000 views on my blog so it ticked the boxes for many other crafters too!

February  

A spot of ink blending and super cute strawberry's from a stamp set called Sweet Strawberry.  I do like to squiggle borders, they draw the eye in to the project and are quick and simple to create.

Hey Birthday Chick

I don't make mini cards very often but this little chick was just the perfect size for a 3" x 3" project.  Hey Birthday Chick (and the dies) are still available - its a very versatile stamp set and can be used for lots of different ocassions.

March

I love this card, ink blending, die cutting and the cutest little ladybird!  

During March I ran an online workshop showing lots of ways to use blending brushes.  When time allows I like to pack kits up and make them look pretty plus, I knew my crafty ladies will make use of of these die cut butterflies!

This is an image of my screensaver on Zoom - that duck sure gets around!

April Dragonfly Garden (again)

Did I mention how much I love this stamp set?  The project below was coloured with water colour pencils - I must try to use these more often.  I used Wink of Stella to blend the pencil colours on the dragonfly wings and also to add some sparkle.

April was a difficult month - ongoing issues with my upline had me making a very hard decision to resign as a SU demonstrator after 6 years.  There is never a good time to leave SU but with hindsight I should have done this a couple of years ago!

During April I held part 2 of my blending brushes workshop.  It was lovely to see how everyone enjoyed learning new skills and techniques.  So many lovely samples were produced.

May - A Touch of Ink online workshop

This lovely stamp set was the focus for a very popular online workshop.  I used upcoming In-Colours (I was able to pre order before I resigned!) to create tags and a treat for everyone who joined me online.  I still can't decide which of last years new ink colours I like the best, good job they are with us for another year!

I got messy playing with inks to create this card using the new In-Colours again.  I had intended it to be the make and take at my Annual BOGOF party.  Unfortunately I had to cancel the event due to ongoing issues with my new kitchen (sigh).

June - Friends are Like Sea Shells - in person workshop!

My first in person craft session of the year!  I held three smaller sessions to allow us to keep a safe distance from each other.  It was so nice to get crafty with friends again.  The sessions overran as we were chatting and catching up so much but nobody minded at all!

Here is a snapshot of the projects we made.  Lots of heat embossing and many, many embellishments!

Of course, no workshop is complete without a little treat for those who join me.  These mini curvy keepsake boxes had fruity rock inside!

Well, that's it for the first half of 2021, I'll be back with part two very soon!  

I hope you have had the best Christmas possible wherever you are in the world and that you have an enjoyable New Years Eve.

Stay safe and well.

Susan xx

Thank you so much for looking at my Blog today, if you don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and you live in the UK, I would love to be yours!  

If you need to order any supplies, simply use my “shop with me” button or click on the catalogue links on the right. Alternatively, contact me and I would be happy to place an order for you.

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