Happy New Year to you!
Here in Australia, and particularly in my part, summer is in full swing! Beach walks, outdoor meals on our deck, tourists and holiday atmosphere everywhere.
We had a very relaxing Christmas Eve BBQ (prawns, special salads & marinated meats, berry coconut cake) and Christmas Day Dinner ( Turkey, special vegetables, plum pudding & brandy sauce).
As we had such sadnesses during 2011, I deliberated for ages about whether to say grace, make a speech etc but in the end I lit 3 candles - a red centre one for our son-in-law, who died in July; one to "acknowledge" the sad and difficult times of the year and one to "celebrate" that we were together and are looking forward to good times.
I received 2 more cards from my Paper Swap friends - after Christmas - caught up in overseas mail & public holidays- they took more than 3 weeks to arrive. But I love them both - thank you
Robert (card on left) and
Nicole (right).
Nicole won second prize in a competition with her card, which is layered in red and green and features a tag from Cavellini and paper from anna griffin. Robert has collaged a monoprint and painted on watercolour paper - a lovery wintery feel.
I've been spending time finishing my Junk Journal (begun at the end of 2010) when I retired from regular teaching - which also means I've been getting rid - no - using - all those bits lying around on my bench, in drawers, in the cupboard ... you probably know what I mean!
I've used some old Christmas cards I'd kept because I loved them - to make 2 Christmas books, using paint, serviettes, wrapping paper, stamps, and the cards. I love the cover of the pink book!
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| Two pages from the Christmas books made with old cards. |
I've done 2 spreads for the Round Robin Altered Book for girls in the group and made 3 journals so far - one for our up coming cruise, one to just play in - and one I'll use to collage and write in - inspired by Nicole's blog. I want to make another larger one to work in for
Effy Wild's course, Book of Days.
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| Altered book page for Joanne. |
I'm looking forward to a creative, healthy and happy year - and wish you, dear reader, the same.
Happy New Year Sue, sounds like you've been very busy creating lovely journals. I hope this year is much happier for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Sue! Wishing you many happy days, many blessings and a very creative journey through 2012. Your journals are colourful and I am sure your muse will sit on your shoulder and inspire you to create fabulous pages.
ReplyDeleteSue _ I never got around to posting your card so I am sending you an apology art work instead. Happy New year!!
ReplyDeleteHere's to a wonderful & creative 2012. Looks like you had a great family time, as I did & a lovely idea to light a candle to absent friends & family.
ReplyDeleteI never said how fabulous those stacks of journals looked!