for keeps

I cannot believe that it is New Year's Eve already! 2008 has been a really exciting year for me creatively and a voyage of discovery. I stumbled upon the papercrafting world in February 2008, followed by the stamping world in August and a new *addiction* was born! Since making my first Mother's Day card (eek!), I have not looked back. Every week I have learnt at least one new technique and I am still discovering new designers whose products I fall in love with. I have become reacquainted with old friends and met some fabulous new ones along the way.

For me, the most amazing discovery was to learn how to colour. Something I had not done since I was five! Without having a clue what I was doing, or where I would begin, I bought the entire set Copic Markers in October.

I am so looking forward to the coming year. I have a HUGE pile of stash to wade through (how did that happen already?!), I must use it all before I even think about buying another thing. (Please don't hold me to that!) I have lots of techniques to improve and new ones to discover. It's exciting! So I dedicate this card to my new hobby, it is *for keeps*.

The sketch I used is the current sketch over at Friday Sketchers.

Below is the card I made. The image used is Sarah Kay ~ First Kiss which I coloured with my Copic markers.

The image is sitting on a red tag which I cut from Bazzill cardstock. I have used Prima flowers and the *for keeps* embellishment is by Making Memories.

The cardstock is from My Mind's Eye ~ Laundry Line range. I love this range with its lovely glittery effect. I think I own the entire collection, but this is the first time I've used any of it. For this design I used Flirty "Pure Joy" ~ Plain Joy paper and Flirty "Fun Lovin" ~ Fun Lovin' Spots paper.

With a new technique I tried today, I dug out my trusty old Singer sewing machine, which hasn't seen the light of day for many a year and stitched the papers together with zig zag stitch. I can now see how people get hooked on stitching paper!!

The satin and sheer red ribbons are from my stash, as are the incy wincy buttons.

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year 2009.

Here's to new experiences and may all your dreams come true.

Thank you for looking.

kat

having a {me} day