Sunday, 21 November 2010

Ta ta for now....

I've been putting off this decision for a few weeks.... but I think the time has come for me to take a little break from blogging. I've noticed that I seem to be dropping Followers and I'm not posting as often as I feel I should. Work is proving very challenging right now, plus I have my ICS qualification to complete by March 1st and there just aren't enough hours in the day!
Before I take my leave I thought I'd share a few projects that I've managed to slot in amongst all the recent craziness.
This first card uses lots of lovely Stampin' Up! goodies and that beautiful Hero Arts background stamp that I bought recently. I don't often show sympathy cards but thought I'd share this one as it showcases stamps from one of the new level one Hostess sets from the current Stampin' Up! catalogue.

The second card that I'm sharing today is one that I made for my best friend's wonderful daughter Hannah. Don't tell her, but along with her ever so slightly crazy Mother, Hannah is one of my favourite people on the planet!
Myself and my friend always say 'if it's going to happen it will happen to Hannah'. Once again she proved this to be true by having her appendix removed and being in a car accident in the two weeks proceeding her 18th birthday last Thursday. Thankfully she is on the road to recovery and still managed to celebrate her birthday in style.

This adorable new Sugar Nellie stamp by Krista Smith seemed perfect for a sleepy 18 year old who can't understand what all the fuss is about! The sentiments and beautiful paper are both from Kaisercraft.

My final project is the reveal of how I altered that cardboard cat food box you've seen loitering on my workdesk for the last couple of posts. Perfect for my overflow of punches!


I love this Gorjuss/Sugar Nellie stamp called Up, up and away, and the highly appropriate sentiment from Hero Arts. I also used the Memory Lane stamp from Crafty Individuals and my new Hero Arts block - totally gorgeous!!! I've never done anything quite like this before and learnt plenty to take forward to any future projects!

So now I'll say au revoir... I'm sure that I'll pop up from time to time as I know I'll find it very hard to stay away from my blogland buddies.

Thanks for dropping by at my blog, thanks for your wonderful friendship and encouragement and thanks for all the amazing inspiration and fun. You are all totally fabulous and much appreciated.

Ta ta for now... and very happy crafting everyone!

31 comments:

G Peplow said...

Oh Jo, I'm going to miss your lovely cards, funny asides and great inspiration, this lot here are Fabulous!!!
But understand completely, juggling work and blogging and life's really hard, so Good Luck with all you're doing and don't leave it too long before you come back to see us, take care:0) xxx

Anonymous said...

wonderful cards....
I hope to see you back again one day - good luck with everything and take care x

Monika Reeck said...

Jo I have sent you mail did you get it dear...just say Thanks for your lovely card and happy goodies inside...love your card with balloon soo cuute and the one with the bird is simply adorable too..see you maybe on my Blog dear..hugs

Nicky said...

Will miss you but totally understand - I have only just got back to my crafting and blogging since starting my new job in June. Sometimes life needs sorting - looking forward to when you have time to pop back - good luck with everything x

CinnamonSally said...

Hi Jo, so sad to see you are going to have to stop blogging for a while. I am going to miss visiting your blog but I understand how difficult and time consuming it all is. Good luck with your studying and I hope you still find time for a little crafting :0)

Thank you so much for finding time to visit my blog and always leaving such possitive comments.

Thank you also for beeing a great blogging friend!!

I will miss you :0(
Hugs
Sallyx

Carrie said...

We will miss you Jo but wishing you all the best in everything you do xxx

Curly said...

Wow Jo,
Fabulous cards and awesome colouring,

take care Hugs Bridget:)x

Debbie said...

Oh sorry Jo, but these things happen don't they? I never feel presured into posting anything I don't want to , and only post when I feel like it. I think if people did that they would feel less pushed for time. I post when I want not the other way round, but good luck to you. Debbiexx

Anonymous said...

Hey you...

Sorry for not being around much, I will miss your creations and your lovely blog posts, you have such a way with words and most of all feel your leaving at the time I think your work is at it's best...You have in my eye come on ten fold...
I know I have the comfort that I know you personally Jo so don't be suprised to get a few texts lol
I am here for you and if you want to pop up to my house for a catch up you know your more than welcome....
I could do with a friendly face right now with James job taking him miles from home

Catch you later sug
x
Vicky

ps...stunning job with these cards...I love the effect with the clouds over the houses and the balloon....Brilliant!!!!

Traceyr said...

Don't stay away too long but sometimes real life does take over.

x x x

:)

Lynne in NI said...

Aww Jo, sorry to hear that you're leaving blogland for a while. Best of luck with your course and hope work calms down a bit.
Give us a shout when you come back, meantime, we'll miss you!
Take Care
Lynne
x

Tiffany Ervin said...

Aww...you will certainly be missed my friend and it is understandable that we all need to take a break every now and then! It rejuvenates us and definitely gives us time to do other things with our lives! Beautiful projects and I'll definitely keep my eye on when you return, take care!

Dawn T said...

Love the cards and will be sad to not to see more, but you have to do what is best for you Jo. Good luck with your studies and take time to smell the roses my dear. See you round, when we see you!!

Vicky said...

Will miss your inspiring designs and your lovely comments Jo, but completely understand why you need to take a break. Take care.
Vicky :)xxx

Pop's Cards said...

Gorgeous creations as always, big hugs love Pops x xx

Jenny said...

Hi Jo, u will be missed so very much. Your work has always been so inspiring. Thanks for all the comments u left on my blog. Good look with your course, hope to see u back in blogland when things calm down for you. Hugs, xxx Jenny.

Beth aka BR-T said...

Dotty I love your work and I will miss you!!!! We'll be here when ever you need to stop by.

Sanne said...

Hi Jo - will miss you, too! I totally understand - I took a break of a few months myself. I´ll be looking forward to seeing your lovely creations again!
Hugs Sanne

Vicky Hayes said...

Have only just found you so it's sad you're calling a halt but I totally understand that you have loads of commitments. Have really enjoyed browsing through your blog.

Alice said...

awwww.... I am going to miss your beautiful cards and projects, Jo! i truly hope that all goes well with your qualification and sure hope to see to back! LOVE all your pretty projects, too. the altered box is fantastic! i LOVE IT! i'll always be a follower and hope to see you soon! =) big hugs!

Elise said...

Oh, dear. Madame Dots - I don't know what to say! Hold on a minute, I have to run and get some tissues.....! Oh, HONEY! I'm so sad for US! But completely with understanding for you, because I SO GET how real life can yank hard on your chain, and take some of the fun out of Blogland - it's a tough balance to maintain, and I REALLY do get that. I hate it when I get over-run with guilt for not visiting as often as I should or tending to all of my lovely friends, literally, around the world. May I offer that YOU can and should do whatever suits you BEST. Blog as little or as often as you wish, visit when or if you TOTALLY have the time, but if not, DO NOT WORRY! I hope you won't completely give up your beautiful blog, but I ADORE YOU and will ALWAYS love you and consider you one of the MOST very special discoveries I made in MY experience with blogging. YOU are so completely special and adored in this community - you go... FIND YOUR SMILE! And return to us when/if it suits you. I will NEVER quit following you!

Nor, Custard. {hee hee}

It has been a privilege, to play with you for all this time! XOXO!

joanne wardle said...

I'm sure you'll be back! it's harder to quit than you might think, lol! your cards are beautiful especially the ta ta for now card!

donna mikasa said...

Hi Jo! I'm probably the last one to see this! It's good to take a little hiatus. Blogging can be quite time consuming and I honestly don't know how some people do it on a daily basis! Good luck with your certification. I'm sure you'll inch your way back and create cards once more! Take good care, Jo! Ta ta for now.....

Clare said...

Gorgeous, wonderful cards, all of them!! And too funny about Hannah - I could imagine something like that happening to me! lol!

Jo, I hope you enjoy your break - I know how stressful blogging can be, but keep us updated! :)

Chris said...

Your cards are beautiful Jo, such gorgeous colouring and designs. Hope you're back blogging soon and your break is going OK. Take care, Chris :)

Tyggereye said...

I'm sorry to hear that, but I know hard it is when there is not enough hours in the day. That sympathy card is gorgeous. All your cards are. I'm going to miss you blogging. Hope you still get on every once in awhile. :)

Traveling Mama said...

What a fun mix! Love all you've been up to lately! Hugs from Copenhagen!

Gez Butterworth said...

Hi Jo
Hope you are well my dear. Thank you for all your lovely blog comments this year. They mean so much.xx
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas & wish you health & happiness for 2011.xx
Your cards are always beautifully made. Good luck with your exams.
Love & best wishes. Gez.xx

Linda Brun said...

Just wanted to send you some hugs from snowy Norway and I fully understand the break. Sometimes we just need to find the time to breath. I hope you find time for creating, it's healing in it selves I think.. So right now I'm sending you and your loved ones some big x-mas hugs... Take care my friend. I'll be here ;-)

Tiffany Ervin said...

I know you are on your crafting break sweetie! But I wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas and the best of the new year in 2011! Sending big hugs!

Lynne in NI said...

Hey Jo, just stopping by to say I hope you're enjoying your Christmas holidays and to wish you a very Happy New Year.
Hugs
Lynne
:o)