Inspiration for 2012

Is it really 2012? Doesn't seem five minutes since it was 2011 does it? I am not one for making New Year resolutions, not because I don't believe in the concept but more that I have difficulty in sticking to them (along with a great majority of the population). However I have to remind myself why I started this blog and in the early heady days I remember saying something about sharing ideas. I don't seem to have done much sharing during the past couple of years and I would like to try and remedy that.

In conjunction with my design work for Chocolate Baroque I hope to give you some ideas on how to use some of the digital products that are available over on the CB website as well as adding a few of my creations to the Chocolate Baroque Design Team Blog. If ever you are in need of inspiration, or want to see what they are currently doing with the latest CB stamps, then the DT blog is THE place to visit. This talented group of ladies continue to design the most beautiful pieces of artwork and I am very proud to be included in the team. So, without making it the dreaded resolution I am going to try and post more regularly (where have you heard that before!).

Whilst we are discussing inspiration there is a real treat waiting for you over on Glenda's blog. Back in 2010 at the Paradise Art retreat weekend we were all privileged to be entertained by Adrian (Glenda's husband for those of you who may not know) with his fabulous ditty entitled 'Add a Brad'. This struck a cord with all of us and in fact any crafter will have at some point been down this particular road. Adrian has been promising to record this artistic rendition for some time now and has obviously spent some of his hard earned time off doing just that. Furthermore Glenda had added a fabulous gallery of her personal artwork to the sound track. So if you want true inspiration, or if you can say 'I was there' and want to spend a few minutes reminiscing, then pop over to Glenda's blog and click on the link. I defy you not to feel cheered by it.

However before you go, and in the spirit of my earlier promise, here are some cards I have made using the Pretty Birds printable downloads. Having seen a year of extra large cards I decided that tall and slim would be an elegant way to start 2012. I have also designed an envelope template that fits this card shape exactly. This will be available to download for free in the next couple of days. I want you to be able to get the most out of your printables and you can actually make four of these cards from each printable paper by dividing it into 2" x 8" strips, then mat onto plain co-ordinating cardstock and trim (leaving a narrow border all round). Each card measures approx 61 x 210 mm and you can make two from an A4 sheet of card. Using the Groovy and the boxmaker side, butt the shorter side of the card up to the 'Box Base' edge and score at the third groove. Fold and cut; you now have the perfect slim card on which to attach your paper strip. These cards also make an excellent canvas for the Paintchip printables.






That just leaves me to say wherever you find your inspiration may I wish you a very Happy New Year .

Lesley