2023 In Review

Before the end of each year, I try to review the projects that I have completed over the past 12 months and create a post highlighting my favourite for each month.  This year some months haven't had much to choose from given the issues with my eyesight for much of 2023.    I have worked on this progressively over a few days as I really wanted to put this post out.

I have shared the love around a bit with a challenge appearing in one month only.  Naturally, since November is mainly creating for Beccy's Place Month of Holiday Cards, I had to choose a Beccy's Place card for that month.

I have linked each card to the original post (when I could find them)

January - card created for QKR Challenge (now closed)

February - DT card created for Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

March - card created for Butterfly Challenge

April - card created for Sheepski Challenge

May - DT card created for Jan's Digis Challenge (now closed)

June - card created for Card Chain Challenge

July  - card created for NZ Swap Group

August - DT card created for Scribbles Designs (on break)

September - card created for one of the Gecko Galz Challenges

October - DT card created for 12 Months of Christmas

November - card created for Beccy's Place Month of Holiday Cards

December -  card created for Ching-Chou Kuik (closing)

This will be my last post for 2023 as it is approaching midnight.
Happy New Year to all my followers.

Let It Snow

Sadly this month is the final challenge at Ching-Chou Kuik due to lack of patronage I believe.  This is my 9th participation this year and there was no challenge in January so 9 out of 11 is fairly good.  I'm glad I managed to join in for most of the challenges, particularly with my eyesight issues this year.   My eyes still aren't 100% but my reading and computer time isn't anywhere near as restricted as it was.

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - December Challenge
https://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2023/11/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

Beccy's Place - Month of Holiday Cards
https://beccysplace.blogspot.com/2023/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards-challenge.html

I used some scraps from my November cards to create the background - only with a technique that I haven't used for some time (ripped edge).  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik and the sentiment is from Beccy's Place.  Colouring is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz - and inking is Distress Oxide.  I added some glitter foam snowflakes.

Holly & Jolly

This is my final card using the sketch at Cheerful Sketches.  I really enjoyed working with this sketch and it was a great sketch for using some scraps.

 I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - November Challenge
https://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2023/10/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

The Crafter's Cafe - Flowers
https://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/2023/10/302-flowers.html

Cheerful Sketches - Sketch
http://cheerfulsketcheschallenge.blogspot.com/2023/11/november-challenge.html

Beccy's Place - Month of Holiday Cards 
https://beccysplace.blogspot.com/2023/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards-challenge.html

I have used some offcuts of paper from a paper pad.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik and the sentiment is from Beccy's Place.  Colouring is with copic markers.  I cut out the poinsettia using three colours and added as an embellishment.

This is the sketch from Cheerful Sketches:

 

Thinking Of You

We have a lovely sunny day here today.  So far, it hasn't been a too pleasant spring with rain and cold days but fingers crossed we will start seeing more days like this.  I haven't been outside as yet so I don't know what the outside temperature is like though.

I created this card over the past couple of days so time to upload it.

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - October Challenge
https://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2023/09/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

I used Distress Oxides and my Gel plate to create the blended background.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik and the sentiment is one that I typed on the computer.  Coloring is with copic markers and Wink of Stella.

 

You make the world a better place

 This sketch was perfect for using up some paper pad scraps.  If I feel the inclination before the end of the month, I may do one or two more cards to use up some more.

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - July Challenge
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2023/06/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps_30.html

Cheerful Sketches - July Sketch
http://cheerfulsketcheschallenge.blogspot.com/2023/07/challenge-122-july-2023.html

Paper Dragonfly - Nature plus Dragonfly
https://paperdragonflycreativechallenges.blogspot.com/2023/07/challenge-19-anything-flies-goes-or.html

I have used some scraps from paper pads to create the background.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik and the sentiment is from Netty's Cards.  Coloring is with copic markers.

I followed a sketch from Cheerful Sketches:

 

Celebrate

The sun is out today to brighten up the week.  It has been a fairly typical winter week with plenty of rain.

 

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - June Challenge
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2023/06/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

Creations In Pink - Mainly Pink
https://creationsinpink.blogspot.com/2023/06/challenge-59-anything-in-mainly-pink.html

Classic Design - June Challenge
https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2023/06/classic-design-challenge-june-6.html

I have used an image from Ching-Chou Kuik.

Standing Pop Up Card

I have two views of this card. 

One showing the front:

and the other a more aerial view to show the other two papers used:

 

 I have used all the prompts this time.

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - Anything Goes
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2023/05/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

Butterfly Challenge - S is for...
https://butterflyspotchallenge.blogspot.com/2023/04/181-spin-butterfly-wheel-with-s-for.html

The papers used are digital papers from PixelScrapper.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik.  Coloring is with copic markers.

Congratulations

This is the final card from today.

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - Anything Goes
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2023/03/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

Cheerful Sketches - Sketch
http://cheerfulsketcheschallenge.blogspot.com/2023/04/april-challenge-119.html

Penny's Paper Crafty - Anything Goes
http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/2023/03/pennys-challenge-543.html

Cupcake Inspirations - Sunflowers
https://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/2023/04/cupcake-inspiration-challenge-566.html

I have used a digital paper for the background as well as offcuts of paper from Kaisercraft paper pads.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik and is one from winning the Ching-Chou Kuik Challenge in March.  The sentiment is typed on the computer.  Coloring is with copic markers.

I followed the sketch at Cheerful Sketches.  I accidentally turned the card upside down when I was applying the layers so there is a bit of a flip to the sketch.

A Special Day

I found this image among my container of uncolored images that I printed out some time ago that I am endeavoring to color.  It is such a pretty image so I was excited to get coloring and creating.

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik -  Anything Goes
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2023/02/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

I have used a digital paper (not sure of the source as it was in my Awaiting Crafting paper container.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik and the sentiment is from Desert Diva.  Coloring is with copic markers.  I also added some pearls.

Happy Birthday!

I had this image sitting in my Awaiting Crafting box along with this paper.  I decided that since they worked well together, it was time to create a card with them.

 

I would like to enter:

Colour Crazy - Hand  Colouring
https://colourcrazychallenge.blogspot.com/2022/09/week-36-anything-goes-colouring.html

I have used a paper from a paper pad (not sure which brand as it was removed from the pad some time ago).  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik and the sentiment is from Desert Diva.  Colouring is with copic markers.  I also added some washi tape and pearls.

Sunflowers and Ladybugs

 We have had a mixed day of weather here today - started with rain and ended with rain with a bit of sun and lots of cloud cover in between.  Not a great day to get washing day but I did manage some crafting.

I would like to enter:

Try Stampin' on Tuesday - Sketch + Bold Colors
http://trystampinontuesday.blogspot.com/2022/06/challenge-562.html

Ching-Chou Kuik - Anything Goes
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2022/06/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

I have used a paper from a Kaisercraft Paper Pad along with some scraps from my scraps box.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik.  Colouring is with copic markers.  I also added some ladybug embellishments which I accented with some Glossy Accents.

I followed the sketch at Try Stampin' on Tuesday:

I made the centre blue strip wider to accommodate the image.  The white circles are represented by the ladybugs.
 

Thinking of You

Today I didn't have any enthusiasm for doing the housework (that really needs doing) so decided to craft instead.  There is always tomorrow....

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - June Challenge
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2022/05/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

Penny's Paper Crafty - Anything Goes
http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/2022/05/pennys-challenge-522.html

Colour Crazy - Hand Colouring
https://colourcrazychallenge.blogspot.com/2022/05/week-21-anything-goes-colouring.html

The Outlawz Friday Challenge - Thinking of You
https://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/friday-color/forum/topics/festive-fridays-challenge-may-27-to-june-10

I have used a digital paper from Bearly Mine Designs.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik and the sentiment is typed on the computer.  I added a flower and a butterfly embellishment that I have had for some time. I also added some gold pearls from Rosie's Studio.

Merry Christmas

This is my second card using digital paper scraps.  I used a different pattern this time.

 

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - Anything Goes
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2022/04/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

CRAFT Challenge - Christmas
https://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/2022/04/challenge-635-christmas.html

Tuesday Morning Sketches - Sketch
http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/2022/05/tuesday-morning-sketches-655.html

I have used digital papers from Trimgym.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik.  Colouring is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz.  I also added some Glossy Accents to the candy cane.

I followed the sketch at Tuesday Morning Sketches:

Especially For You

 I have had this card almost completed for a few days.  I only had to add the sentiment but couldn't decide what sentiment to use.  Finally made a decision.

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - Four Legged Friends
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2022/03/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

Show Us Your Pussycats - Furrything Goes
https://showusyourpussies.blogspot.com/2022/04/show-us-your-pussycats-challenge-77.html

I have used a digital paper from PixelScrapper.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik and the sentiment is from an embellishment pack.  I also added some lime green craft buttons.

Congratulations

Due to some time pressure over that past few months, this is the first time that I have managed to enter the challenge at Ching-Chou Kuik this year.

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - Floral
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2022/02/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

A Bit More Time to Craft - Anything Goes
http://abitmoretimetocraft.blogspot.com/2022/03/a-bit-more-time-to-craft-15th-march.html

I have used a digital paper from Lozzy.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik and the sentiment is typed on the computer.  Colouring is with copic markers.

Christmas

The sun is shining here at the moment.  The days are definitely warmer recently but it has still been overcast.  I'm hoping that my washing will actually dry on the line today without needing finishing off inside.

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - Tis The Season
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2021/11/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps_30.html

Creative Sketchy Girls - Sketch
http://creativesketchygirls.blogspot.com/2021/11/challenge-66-schets.html

I have used digital papers from PixelScrapper.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik.  Colouring is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz.  I also added a sentiment brad.

I followed the sketch at Creative Sketchy Girls:

Trick or Treat

 I am back into my Awaiting Crafting boxes again today.  I'm trying to use the Halloween digital papers and sentiments that I had printed out a few years ago.  Unfortunately, I can't find the source of the paper or the sentiment that I have used today.

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - Halloween
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2021/09/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

I have used a digital paper that I think is Halloween themed.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik and I'm not certain of the source of the sentiment.  Colouring is with copic markers.  I coloured the sentiment edges to resemble the moon.

Love Joy Endurance

I have managed to finish a couple of cards this morning.  I should be doing some other stuff but I needed a break from what I was doing.

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - Pink
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2021/08/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps_31.html

I have used a digital paper from Lozzy.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik and the sentiment is from Mudmaven Designs.  Colouring is with copic markers.  I also added some glitter lace and three glitter foam flowers.

Thinking of You

Even though (by using an image from Ching-Chou Kuik) I can opt with an Anything Goes theme, I still like the extra challenge of following the set theme for the month.  It is nice to know that I can fall back on the Anything Goes option though.

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - Autumn and/or Autumn Colours
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2021/08/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

I have used a digital paper from Bearly Mine Designs.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik and the sentiment is typed on the computer.  Colouring is with copic markers.  I had some foam leaves in autumn colours that were too large for cardmaking so I die-cut some smaller leaves from them using dies from Memory Box.

Masquerade Cat

This card has taken some time to complete.  I kept running into inspiration blocks.  I finally finished it with the help of a sketch.

I would like to enter:

Ching-Chou Kuik - Embossing (Wet or Dry)
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2021/07/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

Tuesday Morning Sketches - Sketch
http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/2021/07/tuesday-morning-sketches-615.html

Show Us Your Pussies - Furrything Goes
https://showusyourpussies.blogspot.com/2021/07/show-us-your-pussycats-challenge-68.html

Colour Crazy - Hand Colouring
https://colourcrazychallenge.blogspot.com/2021/07/week-29-anything-goes-colouring.html

Let's Squash It - Shimmer & Shine
https://letssquashit.blogspot.com/2021/07/challenge-10-shimmer-and-shine.html

I have used an embossing folder which I then inked for the background.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik.  I added some flower stickers as the five elements showing as black in the sketch below.

I followed the (rotated) sketch at Tuesday Morning Sketches: