New Beginnings

This is my very first post of 2013 and already I have noticed that there are signs of new life all around. I managed to get out in the garden to make the most of some rare sunshine on New Year's Day. As I did some clearing I saw lots of lovely bulb shoots beginning to peep up through the sodden ground. I could not believe how wet the earth is. I have very free draining soil so goodness knows how sodden clay soil will be.

I have also been watching my dear little pot of daffs on my kitchen side. The flower heads are beginning to emerge and it won't be long until they bloom.

My hyacinth is also coming along nicely. I so miss colour in my garden at this time of the year. I was delighted to be bought some flowers which are cheering up my dining room at this dark and dismal time.

Pretty roses and stocks are the perfect remedy.

As well as new beginnings in nature I have also been thinking of a better way of responding to the lovely comments that you leave me here on my blog. I so love reading them and I always reply but I am aware that most people don't have the time to come back and read my replies. I have decided that instead of responding to comments here on my blog that I will either write on your blog or via your linked email address (if you are not sure if you are linked check your profile and your email usually appears there). I think this will be a much more personal way of me responding. Several of my fellow bloggers already do this and I think it is a very good idea. Please excuse me if there are times I cannot respond but I always try to.



I hope you all enjoyed your New Year celebrations whether you  were partying or just curled up with a good book? We had great fun at our Ball and saw the New Year in with around 80 other dancers.

I love the way this photo came out, I nearly deleted it as it was blurred but I think it summed up a really fun night on the dance floor. Our dance classes start back next week as does my silversmithing class. I will definitely be showing you my French knitted jewellery I finished really soon, it came out really well. I went back to work yesterday after 10 days off so I felt well rested.

My challenge card today continues the new beginnings theme which also seems to be the subject on lots of challenge blogs this week. I thought I would share a New Baby card.

I used a stamp made by my great blog buddy friend Kerry's company, Ladybug Crafts Ink. I coloured it with my Promarkers and highlighted with Prismacolor pencils.
The backing papers are from my stash.  I added some fab new pale blue pearls for a little bling and a pretty organza ribbon. It is for sale here in my Etsy shop

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges;

My new year got off to the best beginning this morning as one of my LOTV Christmas cards from December is featured in the daily talent spot on the great Joanna Sheen Challenge blog here. I was thrilled to see my card there ;0) and I just found out that with the very same card I won a £10 Joanna Sheen in the Charisma Cardz challenge here. Wow!!

Really reasonable ribbon #63 my new toys my "new" are my blue pearls and organza ribbon.
Papertake weekly Anything goes
Passion for Promarkers #179 New beginnings
Bearly Mine #67 something old something new my old is my stamp, my new are my pearls and ribbon
Party Time Tuesdays #101 celebrate
Simon Says Stamp New something
Wednesday Creative Inspirations Celebration #195
My Mum's Craft shop Anything Goes #1 new monthly challenge
Crafty Ribbons #36 New Beginnings my new are my snazzy pearls and my ribbon
Natalie and Amy My favourite things as well as everything I have already mentioned these baby backing papers are my faves!



I hope that 2013 brings new beginnings to you all and the very best of good health and happiness.

Back soon,

Bye for now,

Jane x