Well, it is now 2011! I started stamping and making cards 18 years ago, and I remember my first card, I thought it was wonderful. I still shudder when I think of it. I like to think I have come a long way since then, but every now and then I make a card and still shudder. My "thing" is somewhere between cutesy and grunge and way over the top, depending on the day and the mood.

Last year was probably the worst year of my life, may not be, but I can't remember any year that was worse. It started with the death of my friend and business partner. Although she had been sick for a number of years you can never imagine what it is going to be like when they have passed. I miss her terribly. Then in March, my mother passed. I wasn't expecting it. I miss her even more. In July I had a car accident, a young girl ran into the back of my car on the freeway. My car still hasn't been fixed! In August I had my first full knee replacement (the other one can wait until 2012!).

Anyway, I am trying to put the bad things out of my mind and remember those that I need to in a more positive way, with no guilt or regrets, as another tissue "bites the dust"!

So, I bury myself in my work and my craft, unfortunately for my husband, NOT the housework!

My husband, (my shoulder to cry on), whom I have been married to for 35 years, is away fishing at the moment, along with my son Greg and 8 other guys. They should be past the cyclones now (Dianne and Carlos) and hopefully getting into some finer weather now that the roads have opened. My daughter Kelly and boyfriend Chris are out paintballing in their army fatigues, so I am home with the grand-cat Storm and grand-dog Jess, both snoring!!

I am currently designing some cards for a project for a group I attend monthly called S.T.A.R.S. (Seriously, Talented and Addicted to Rubber Stamping). I co-ordinate the projects for each month, but as I won't be in Perth in March, I am making a little package for each person to design a card, can't wait to see what they do with them.

In March I am going to Melbourne to, hopefully, become Copic Certified. Just love these markers. Can't wait!! I am going as a representative of my daughter, Kelly's business, Crafty Treasures.

I am project designer for both of the stamp groups which I attend. My thoughts were to go back to basics and use the tools and equipment which most stampers have had forever and have either forgotten how to use, never knew how to use, forgotten they have them or even thrown or given them away.  In February I got the U.T.E.E. out. It was a bit of fun, and of course, most people had some, but hadn't used it for such a long time, if at all.

March is, Stampassion - the brayer and I have already posted S.T.A.R.S. card project. April is the roller, no idea what I am going to do for this yet, but something will come to mind before April, I hope!

I have a few ideas in mind for other months, eg. chipboard (letters probably) foils (?) glitters (?) Cuttlebug and its many uses, a Copic demonstration goes without saying! Pop-up cards. Dry-embossing without the use of Cuttlebug, Cricuts or any other such animals. I love a challenge!!