I'm travelling into a new way of working, a new country, a new language, and a new hobby which I'm passionate about. Come with me for some of the journey...

Sunday 26 January 2014

Baker's Dozen 2013

Hello everyone!

I'm taking a look back over 2013's crafty makes, linking up to the Catered Crop's Year in Review event.  It's so interesting to take a moment to look back at the journey, and spot the seeds of things which are now at the heart of the current work; or to remember stuff you loved doing and had completely forgotten about!

Catered Crop are looking for 12 favourite projects... but, as with last year's post, I'm afraid I'm doing it as a Baker's Dozen of 13 - whittling was hard.  Even now, there are some it hurt to leave out!

So, in no particular order (click on the links if you want to see close-ups and how-to details for any of these)...






This altered book, Once Upon A Time, was probably the easiest pick.

I still love the idea that came to me at 4am for the flying Steampunk Pumpkin (Steampumpkin?), inspired by the Steampunk Fairytale challenge at Sandee and Amelie's Steampunk Challenge.











I have to give you two photos of this one... front and back, or should that be inside and outside?



















The Silence Between was made as a Guest Design project for Calico Crafts, for whom I'm delighted now to be a full-time DT member.












Meadow flowers, wood, rust and a quote - by Mozart, no less - these are a few of my favourite things!















High time we had a tag, wouldn't you say?  And A Moment In Time gave me one of my great thrills of the year when it was one of the April winners of Tim Holtz's 12 Tags.



















(A Thousand Splendid Quotes, the project Tim made a Blogworthy Link I'm afraid doesn't even make the cut.  Of course, I was thrilled he liked it, but it's not particularly my cup of tea!!)













Probably the second easiest decision was this altered cigar box, now filled with Beautiful Things.












It was pretty fiddly to make, but I love the effect of the layers of Vintage Lace Decorative Strip Die... and it's useful too.  Has to be two photos again - inside and out!




















Tag time again - and a technique which was to become one of my favourites, combining inks and paints for varying translucency.



















And, of course, some of my much-loved meadow flowers and grasses - things that are becoming regular companions on this Wonderful Journey.















Another Calico Crafts Guest project has made the list... this is my Glampunk Birdhouse (yes, I made that word up - Glampunk, not Birdhouse, that is).





















Lots and lots of watch parts on this little chap - he's just over half an inch high!











There's a second altered book on the list, Curiouser and Curiouser.  

Actually, it's not curious at all.  Books have always been a huge part of my life, and they're playing a bigger and bigger part in my crafting journey as I go...










This one delves into the world of Alice in Wonderland, with the brilliant Artistic Outpost stamps.  Being selected for their Design Team was another thrill, and thankfully an ongoing one!!


















I've been doing more Art Journalling lately, and I can see it becoming a very important part of my personal creative journey (though maybe not always for sharing on here)... but there were flurries last year - as A Nature Journal Is Born shows.



















The meadow flowers again, kraft and white which make me happy together, and an early appearance for the splattering which is one of my current favourite things to do!

And this would be a good value post to visit as you'll get to see the extra tags I was planning to incorporate into the journal - not done yet!





















You see, looking back is such a great way to count your blessings... Another great joy in 2013 was guesting for The Artistic Stamper in February and then being invited onto the team full time.






















This mobile, Float Like A Butterfly, was one of my Guest Design creations for them.















Some more recent art journalling, and some pages inspired by music (another motif which echoes around here at Words and Pictures)... Write a little more often...













If you missed this, it's worth checking the post for the story behind the pages, as well as a link to the fabulous Marlene Dietrich delivering the song which inspired them.

















Another thrill last year - designing for PaperArtsy. Jeepers, it was a great year!!

Lots of my projects for them were highly complex, time-consuming makes but I think my favourite by far was this pair of relatively simple, natural tags.














They were made under severe time pressure in the midst of moving house (a stressful year too).

But I put on some medieval music and slipped away from the stress into a world of ink, paint and natural materials - a very real example of The Peace In Crafting.
















You're probably wondering whether I ever work with colour palettes outside of neutrals or blue/greens.  The answer is "yes"!!  And when I cross over, I really cross over...




















My favourite Artistic Outpost image, the little girl from Think and Wonder, and a riot of pink laciness... At least, I think it's pink!

This tag in a bag delights me in having arrived so unexpectedly - I didn't plan it this way. I didn't really plan at all... I find that's the best way for me.













There's another of Tim's 12 Tags that I really can't bear to leave out...  His July tag was dedicated to the Prescott firefighters who died carrying out their work.




















And this tag emerged from thinking of all those who risk or indeed give their lives to protect and save others.

Umbrella Man did his usual wonderful job of representing hope and sadness simultaneously, to Commemorate and Cherish.








Yes, okay, if you're keeping count, that's supposed to be it, but I just want to add my Blissful Baubles as an extra (Christmas) bonus.  Well, it's 2014 now - so have 14 on me!









One of the most enjoyable makes of the year - both to create and to look at afterwards - and full of the seeds of things that I'm really having fun with now and plan to have even more fun with through 2014.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I'm so grateful for all the opportunities that came my way in 2013, and for all the generosity, support and inspiration I've found in Craftyblogland.  I hope I've touched on at least a couple of your favourite projects, and I'll leave you in peace for a bit now!

All of us, every single year, we're a different person.  I don't think we're the same person all our lives.
Stephen Spielberg

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.
Ralph Waldo Emerson




I'm linking up this review of the year with the Remembering 2013 Hop Challenge over at Catered Crop.  It's open until February 1st - so come and join in.  You can also link to posts you've already created if you've already done your reviewing!

67 comments:

Brenda Brown said...

Beautiful projects from 2013 and so lovely to see them together in review. You had an amazing year Alison, with so many ideas and such creativity shining through each piece, I am looking forward to seeing what your creative mind brings to fruition this year, I am sure it will all be very exciting and productive. Have fun.
hugs {brenda} x0x

Clare Lloyd said...

They are all wonderful! Well done on limiting your choice to the bakers dozen! X

massofhair said...

Can see why you had difficulty choosing your favourites and had to go with 13!

2013 was a mega year for you wasn't it, great reading what you have been up to. I found you through two of your design teams Paper Artsy and The Artistic Stamper, both of which i love.

Hoping 2014 is as wonderful as 2013 and your adventure continues taking you to places you never imagined.

Thanks for sharing all your wonderful projects and achievements :-) xxx

May said...

Lovely to revisit these fabulous creations...2013 was a real special year for you and so well deserved...Looking forward to 2014... Hugs May x x x

chrissie said...

Wonderful choices Alison. I remember doing this last year but I did find it very difficult.

Love Chrissie x

Helen said...

what a lovely recap and some fantastic projects to see again.

Rita said...

How lovely to see all those wonderful projects all in one place Alison. It must have been so hard to pick just ten and leave the others. Here's to another great crafty year for you. Hugs Rita xxx

rachel said...

absolutely stunning work - and as a new follower its fabulous to see them all - beautiful xx

Redanne said...

I had a bit of a giggle when I got to 14, I thought I had counted wrong. I could never have chosen just fourteen of your beautiful creations Alison, it is lovely to see these wonderful works of art again. My favourites still have to be the steampumpkin or steampunkin as I call it and the fabulous Alice book. It really was the most amazing and thrilling year for you, I hope that this year exceeds your expectations too. You are an exceptionally talented lady! Anne xx

Astrid Maclean said...

Great review Alison, and I can imagine how hard it must have been to make the choice.... You picked well though and I'm glad to say, I remembered all of them. Like Anne R, my all time favourite was that steam punk one at the top, probably closely followed by the Finnabair style journal spread. Having said that, I love all of your projects, and one that I certainly remember, but am missing here, was that amazing journal spread using the Andy Skinner stencils, I think it was dedicated to your brother, the two children walking up that path of light.... Anyway, a great year in review for sure!

craftytrog said...

A lovely look back on your fabulous crafty 2013 Alison. You picked a wonderful selection.
Alison xxx

maria's knutselplezier said...

Woooow, Alison your projects take my breath away!!!Wonderfull , stunning, have no words for it!! You are one of my favorite Artists!! I really love your art!!!

Greetings
Maria

froebelsternchen said...

I love each single project Alison...
I am a big big Alison Bomber Fan...

And I can tell you even my absolut favourite piece..

I am totally in love with the A*W*E*S*O*M*E
Umbrella Man tag ...

that make's my heart sing!
Have a beautiful sunday!

hazel said...

A wonderful collection Alison.
xxx Hazel.

Martina said...

Dear Alison, all your projects from 2013 are so gorgeous. I think that you are a very talented artist and I love your style so much. Each of your unique works are clearly imbued with thought, effort and the passion for what you do. This is what makes your work inspirational for me. Thank you!

Hugs and wishes
MARTINA oxo

Deborah said...

13 projects to be truly proud of, Alison. I LOVE those baubles!

Shilpa Nagaonkar said...

What a beautiful journey with your 2013art! I love all of them!

sally said...

Lovely to see some of these great creations again :-D

Sally

Kara said...

Beautiful projects!! So inspiring!!

Ozawa said...

Wow, I love them all!
Exspecially the scrapbooking layout, the wonderful colord rainman and the TH Tag with then dragonfly, where is so much to see on. Great!

Sandy said...

Lordy,Lordy child - it was indeed a fabulous year and I suspect 2014 will be just as smashing!
Sandy xx

Inkypinkycraft said...

wow what gorgeous projjects and talent here . some truly beautiful and accomplished pieces. look forward to seeing all your amazing makes this year x hugs x sorry for the lack of comments life has been a bit hectic so playing catch up! hugs trace x

Julia said...

Be very proud Alison, your artwork is so special. Lovely to see your favourites displayed like this, well done. x

Dorthe said...

They are all wonderful dear Alison,- and if I should choose a favorite, which is so difficult!! I think it would be the Glampunk Birdhouse- just so many things to experience and to fall in love with!! -but everything you create looks fantastic!!
xox, Dorthe

sam21ski said...

I have no idea how you only picked 13 out Alison, as everything you do is stunning xxx

Kelly Griglione said...

Oh WOW! I am really just amazed at the variety of projects you have created in 2013. So varied, but all with a signature flair. The mobile butterflies is really enchanting. Sounds like you've had some awesome opportunities last year too. So fun to read!

Claudia N. said...

Oh, yes - Alison,

a beautiful Bakers Dozen! I see my favourite cigar box featured as well as the steampunk altered book!

I am sure...if I would write three posts on three different days with choosing 12 projects as favourites from my last year they would all feature different projects...well, maybe three to four would always be the same...but with the rest I really dare not say I would have chosen the same ones tomorrow that I chose today for my review on 2013 ;)

And yes - it is funny that others are missing certain projects with your collection that didn't even come to mind for you. It shows how diffently we look at our own makes compared to others who see our creations.

Can't wait to see what 2014 will bring us on this ongoing journey! ;)

Hugs,
Claudia x

Cestina said...

My favourite is the dragonfly mobile, which I have just been told nearly didn't make the cut. Of course it has to be there!

Closely followed by the Christmas tree baubles....

maj. said...

Beautiful projects, Alison!!! I love them all!!!

Gio said...

wow wow wow, yes you picked, well, at least ten of my favourites from you.
You gave us a wonderful creative year , Alison, along with your kind and gentle manner, that you cannot put in numbers! Thanks for sharing these beauties with us!

Almo said...

Well Alison I don't know how you have managed to whittle it down either, so many amazing projects, your are a truly talented lady and a great inspiration to everyone who follows your blog. What a lovely exciting year you had last year, long may it continue. hugs Mo x

kateri said...

Such beautiful work. You are a very gifted artist. Robert Frost's poem is a particular favorite of mine. I always look forward to seeing what you have created, and really like how you end your post with beautiful words. Thank you

Maelchen said...

Alison, dear, I can always count on you! Artistic inspiration needed? Visit Alison! Colours? Go for Alison, she is bold enough to try and experiment and still create harmony. Inspirational quotes? Alison offers words which go beyond the surface and inspire not only mind but also creativity.
And now there! I thought I had visited you the all of 2013. But, no, there are still artistic jewels new to me (not too many, though). I love, love, love your post today and I cannot judge which would be my favorite. They are all unique and special!
Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring, dear Alison!
Have a peaceful and creative week!
Manu

Anonymous said...

An incredible collection of beautiful projects.

Cocofolies said...

All is so brilliant and so incredibly beautiful... How could we choose between all your projects Alison??? That's such a delight, thank you very much for this new (great) retrospective!!! Enjoy the week ahead, very creative I hope. hugs Coco xx

Willy said...

Wow...beautiful work, so inspiring!!

Anonymous said...

It was a delight to re-visit so many gorgeously creative pieces of art. They made an impact first time around but viewing them again was very special so thank you Alison for sharing with us your favourites and for all the art you share with us in every glorious blog post.
Wishes
Lynne

Amanda said...

I don't know how you managed it all last year with all you had going on, but the consistent quality of your work is testament indeed to your talent. Stunning projects everyone of them .
Love
Amanda x

Anonymous said...

WOW! Fabulous creations Alison! So many wonderful details!

Dianne said...

Hello Miss Butterfly, " PURE PLEASURE " that's what it was seeing your fabulous creations last year, even a couple I missed,FANTASTIC, thanks so much for sharing them again, have a wonderful week, ((( BIG HUGS)))...

Lyndal said...

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS creative year in review!!!

Shelby said...

Now that was a blog post full of gorgeous and amazing eye candy! Your creativity is stunningly gorgeous.

Shelby

sara j said...

What an smashing review! The steampunk pumpkin, the dragonfly tag...still one of the most masterful blend of colors I think I've ever seen; Alice in Wonderland...you have an artistic gift Allison - I'm so happy to follow your journey.
PS I'm in a totally splatter mode myself!! Enjoy.

Shirley said...

Loved looking at your past makes Alison your choices are amazing. Love each piece as they just stimulate the mind with ideas.

I am so lucky to have one of your makes and I can't thank you enough.

Internet behaving at the moment and I am off to the UK for a week tomorrow, can't wait. My goodies arrived today yay.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x

Mona Pendleton said...

Wow Alison! What an amazing collection of fabulous projects! I could just look at these for hours! Love all the techniques and detail! Thanks for the inspiration!

Crafteezee said...

Oh no I just wrote a book to you and blogger said it couldn't publish :(
Long and short of it is Wow, wow, wow. My favourtie is the blue/brown art journalling as you know I love that colour combo.

Wish I could leave comments more often, but its all work and little play so I have to grab time in my craft room when I can.

Loved visiting today, a very special treat to see so many of your creations in one post.

Hugs Tracy x

Anna-Karin said...

So many beautiful projects Alison! It must have been hard to narrow down, everything you make is gorgeous. Thank you for all the inspiration!

Jennie Atkinson said...

A fabulous and stunning collection of projects Alison - they really do show what an amazing talent you have. I love everyone and what a lovely treat to see them all together. You have given me so much inspiration over this last year - thank you x

Netty said...

Loving all your beautiful projects Alison, my favourites have to be the alterations which you do brilliantly. Hugs Annette x

Terry said...

Lovely share from 2013, Alison! I have no doubt that 2014 will be another wonderful art journey with you! Happy Monday!

toni said...

Lovely to see these gorgeous projects again seeing them altogether reinforces what a fabulously talented artist you are. ! Looking forward to seeing more this year, I've just been having a browse over at Paula Cheneys blog, if you've not been there yet, I suggest you pop over and have a look at what she's been up to.... X

Unni A said...

Wonderful, fabulous, amazing, gorgeous projects. I love each and every one!
hugs, Unni

pearshapedcrafting said...

This must have been a difficult task and I'm pleased to see that some of my very favourites made it including those gorgeous baubles that sneaked in! Great to see them all again, Chrisx

cathylynn said...

WOW time flies when you're havin fun! I bet 2013 flew by for you!
Each project is simply beautiful. I can't pic a fav because I love them all!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

House of Bears said...

How on earth did you manage to choose just s baker's dozen from your veritable stash of lovely art work? We don't think we'd seen the Alice one before and had to stop for an extra ooooh at that. Looking forward to lots more this year. X

having a {me} day said...

WOW! Your work is just awesome! How you managed to pick only 13, I would never know. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous artwork :) keeleyxx

Julie Lee said...

Oh, it's been such a boost to see your wonderful makes from last year. I love them all. They are a feast for the eyes and the imagination. The wonderful thing is that you do 'dare' to follow your imagination wherever it takes you with stunning results!Ideas are just buzzing now! Thank you for being so inspiring! I will follow your 2014 arty odyssey with anticipation and joy! Julie Ann xx

Lucy Edmondson said...

These are all stunners, Alison. I will have to look back over your year myself and I'm sure if I argue with your choices it will only be to add in an additional 13 you have missed off!

Lucy x

Paper Profusion said...

My goodness Alison - what a compelling compendium of artistry. You are brilliantly creative and you can be mightily proud of all your work thru the year. Looking forward to lots more treats and inspirations from you in 2014. Nicola x

Tincan Crafter said...

Loving the "Once upon a time" with a kind of sick obsession right now! Always love everything you do!

Nancy Thomas said...

Absolutely gorgeous projects Alison. I especially love the blissful baubles.

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Wow! So much art and so much gorgeousness in one post. I'm still snickering that you didn't invent the word 'birdhouse.' Wow. That's all I got.

Evelyn Walter said...

I love all your projects, dear Alison! You are so much talented!
xxx Evelyn

Ana K. said...

Thank you very much for showing again those awesome arts!

Jools Robertson said...

Wow! This is amazing you produce the most incredible artwork everyone so different but very much with your beautiful handwriting
I love all of them, it's great to see the earlier works before we met last year

Jools x

Kasia said...

Wow! All those beautiful creations in one post! Just WOW! :)

Kezzy said...

Wow wow wow I really love all of them. I love all the greens, blues and neutrals that you do so well, but I really love the pop of bright colours as well. I don't think I could pick a favourite, I love your tags and the ones you did for paperartsy are awesome but I reckon it's the butterflies that win in the end :-) Kezzy xxx