Monday 5 January 2015

New Beginnings.......and Forget-Me-Nots.......






Well hello there......



A New Year



New Beginnings




But first.......








Forget-Me-Nots....

♡♡♡

Christmas left me with a heavy heart, having learnt of the sudden loss of the beautifully talented, Vanessa Cabban.

I know it has been mentioned on many blogs and instagram, and the shock and sadness has been felt deeply in the crafting world.

Vanessa's was one of the first blogs I came across, when I stumbled into this wonderful blogging world. I can still remember vividly, the energy and enthusiasm I felt when I devoured all her posts. I felt utterly inspired, both by her love of colour, and her enthusiasm for crafting. Actually I was just UTTERLY in awe of her, in just about every way.

I feel intensely sad that this big hole has been left in the crafting community; and I cannot imagine the loss that is being felt by her loved ones..........but through all of us who have been so influenced by her, I'm sure we can keep her light shining bright.

So, Vanessa....be at peace sweet Butterfly. 

A true inspiration to so many of us. 

You will be so terribly missed.


♡♡♡

A year has finished. A new one has begun. Christmas was a little weird, but actually, in my own little clan it was really good.

I do like this time of year though. Slight reflection, yet, enthusiasm for a new slate to be written.

Weight was lost before christmas, but gained over christmas. So running shoes were bought. My oh my. Let's see how that one goes.

♡♡♡


Okay.......So I searched the archives......to remind myself what I have achieved in 2014. 

If I think about the last year, it seems to have been a year that was taken up with more the mundane, than the creative. So, it was nice to see that a few things WERE actually made.

Here we go......a post crammed with the years makes and pics of my ordinary.......


Makes.....

































































































Well.....actually a decent amount was made. I have surprised myself. I really didn't think 2014 was a year where I achieved much in the crafting world.



Now for colour......








































































It was bright and colourful......


It was also pastel and calm.......























































And for the rest to sum up the year.......











































































So there we have it.


Happy New Year, and I hope 2015 is all that you want it to be......and more......


xxx




P.s. Apologies for the photo heavy post. I know I should have been less lazy and condensed into mosaics, but I'm saving all my energies for my running shoes!















































































86 comments:

  1. What a lovely summary. My fave pic is the cake with the bunting, so evocative of summer. Happy New Year to you and yours.

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  2. Such a beautiful and heartfelt post as always Vanessa. You too are a real inspiration in this little world of ours, i don;lt think you realise how much you touch us all with your pretty pictures and true spoken words. Thank you.

    Happy New Year to you and your family, I hope it is a good one x x x x

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    1. Thank you Gem for such kind words. Happy New Year to you! xxx

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  3. Happy new year to you. Lots of prettiness to keep my eye away from the mud and gloom that's outside my window. X

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    1. It's grotty and grey here too. I need sunshine. Roll on Spring! xxx

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  4. Wow - you have been busy! So many beautiful makes; so much inspiration - thank you. Wishing you a very happy, and productive, 2015. x

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    1. It's funny, I thought my creative year wasn't such a great one. I clearly made more than I thought I had. My memory is not good! Happy New Year! xxx

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  5. Never appologise for all those beautiful photos. They fill me with joy, love and peace of mind.
    I wish you all the best in 2015

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  6. What a feast for the eyes. Your sense of color and pattern is just remarkable. I'm so inspired by my visits to your blog. I wish you a very happy New Year.

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    1. Thank you Jennifer, so kind of you to say. A very happy 2015 to you also xxx

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  7. It is always a great pleasure to see you amazingly beautiful images... I love all of them so much..

    And I' wishing you and your beautiful family have a wonderful new year....

    Lots of love...

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    1. Thank you Ayda. I cannot wait to see what delights you bring to your blog this year! Have a beautiful one! xxx

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  8. A truly delightful reflection on all your beautiful makes. Wishing you everything you wish for yourself for 2015.

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    1. Thank you so much. I hope that you have a super duper year also! xxx

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  9. wow, what a great handwork !!! love all of angie from Germany

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    1. Thank you Angie! Have a wonderful New Year! xxx

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  10. Wow.
    Just wow.
    So very lovely.
    I love your photography.
    Your pretty things are so inspiring.
    I get a wee bit too excited when I see items in your photos that I have too.
    (Namely the little Cath Kidston milk jug & branch colored pencils.) ^_^
    I look forward to more lovely posts from you in 2015. Happiest of New Years!

    <3
    Miss Michelle
    www.delightfulhandwork.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you for your kind words! Have a fantastic New Year too! xxx

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  11. I loved all your photos. I've enjoyed reading and looking through all the blog round ups, but I don't think I will do one this year. I am pleased to see the back of 2014, and suspect that 2015 will be tough, but moving forward! Wishing you and your family a happy 2015. x

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    1. Sara, I hope that 2015 is better than you think it will be. Life can be pretty challenging can't it? 2014 was a very 'draining' year for me. I'm hoping I'll have more energy this year. Take care xxx

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  12. Such sad news about Vanessa. I was so shocked, I haven't really been able to put my thoughts into words. Her love for a vibrant colourful life will be remembered and sadly missed too,she truly was an inspiration to us all.
    On a positive note, good luck with your running. I'm going to a try a yoga class this week. Bit nervous and I haven't bought my yoga pants yet!
    Have loved ALL your gorgeous makes this year Vanessa, you have been sooo productive.I can always count on you for cheery pretty photos to cheer up my day!
    Wishing you a Very Happy 2015!! xxx

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    1. I'd quite like to try yoga, I hope it goes well for you! My running is laughable! Oh well! Have a super New Year my lovely xxx

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  13. Happy New Year and all of the best to you! And just so you know, I prefer the photo heavy posts to the collage/mosaic style.

    Thank you and have a great 2015!

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    1. Oh thank you! I don't feel so bad now! Have a super New Year! xxx

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  14. Happy New Year, Vee! Glad to see you back.

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    1. Hopefully I'm back on a roll! Happy New Year lovely xxx

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  15. I'm shocked to hear the news about Vanessa Cabban, I've been so neglectful of blogging recently, had no idea of this awful tragedy. Her presence here will be sadly missed.
    Your photos are absolutely stunning. It's such a joy to see such beautiful colours on this dull day, especially the yellow one. :) Happy new year to you and good luck with the running!
    Jess xx

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    1. I'm still utterly shocked by the news Jess. She was a multi talented artist and radiated such a bright light. My running is laughable!!!!!! Happy New Year to you! xxxx

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  16. Gorgeous photos. Happy 2015.

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  17. Happy New Year! Your photos are really beautiful. Anna x

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    1. Thank you Anna. I hope you have a super New Year xxx

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  18. I envy you for all your makes. You speak so warm about your inspiration....I just wanted to say that you are an inspiration to me....

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. Have a beautiful New Year! xxx

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  19. Utterly gorgeous photos. I especially like the first ripple blanket and the coffee cup pincushion, and of course the chocolate cake, wow! You've had a really creative year. I'm looking forward to seeing all of the amazing things you will no doubt create in 2015. CJ xx

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  20. WOW!! Your photos are beautiful and your work just gorgeous. I really enjoyed this post. Thank you.
    Anne xx

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  21. Happy New Year! is nice to see all the beautiful works and photographs!
    you have a special art to combine colors and make good pictures!
    My best wishes to you, Vanessa. And I'm so sorry for loss of your inspiring blog friend ...
    She wherever you are will be happy to know that you have agreed you about her.
    A big hug from Catalonia and good luck with your new running shoes! be very strong and go on!
    Kissssssssssssssssssssessss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Happy New Year to you also Cristina! I need to be disciplined with my running! xxx

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  22. Wonderful photos!!! Thanks for sharing!
    Best wishes for New Year!
    Hugs and love from Portugal,
    Ana Love Craft
    www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

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  23. Well to start with so sorry about your dear blogger friend.. and I love all your photos I rather see them singly than mosaic.. I too love your Cath Kidston items.. my heart brightens always. I love forward to your post though lately i haven't been able to visit. so for my the large amount of photos was terrific.. I have been trying to purchase her things but can't really find anything.. I have recently purchased some Greengate items that are simular and they are on their way.. Your blog inspires me much.. all the lovely color.. Have a great evening and a great new week.. come by and visit sometime.. with love Janice

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  24. what a fantastic year, I just love popping by your blog for it bright cheerful pop of colour and inspiring makes. Looking forward to seeing what you make this year - Happy New Year! Poppy

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    1. Thank you Poppy! I'm already brimming with creative ideas for the New Year, so watch this space! xxx

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  25. So inspirational, so much colour! Very sad news about Vanessa, part of her legacy is in this blog, don't you think? :) xxx

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    1. Thank you Ada. Yes, I think Vanessa's legacy lives on in so many blogs. Take care lovely xxx

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  26. Wow, what beautiful photos! You sure have lots of creativity to be proud of. I love your sense of color.
    I too was saddened by news of Vanesa's passing. Her blog and work was also one of the first I followed regularly. She was very talented.

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    1. Yes, she was so very talented. Such a sad loss xxx

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  27. Dear Vanessa,

    Happy New Year - it's so good to see a new post of you: I have been really looking forward to it! It's lovely to see so much of your beautiful, colourful and inspirational work all in one post. I do hope many more of your exquisite posts will follow this year. ;-)

    I'm touched by your words about Vanessa Cabban. Thanks for sharing. She was an amazing and incredibly versatile artist.

    xhaafner

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    1. I'm excited too Haafner to see what the year holds for your blog! Your creative mind is such a great one! Happy New Year my lovely xxx

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  28. I can't get enough of your photos ;O)

    Thank you for your comment. The pattern for the crochet pillow is in the book "Häkeln nicht nur im Quadrat" (means "crochet not only in squares").

    Greetings! Katja

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    1. Ahhhhh thank you so much Katja! I shall have to get it and try and learn German! I shall find a way! xxx

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  29. I really enjoyed your photo heavy post, I feel much happier for seeing it. I too have been saddened to hear about Vanessa, and your words were beautifully written about her. Thank you for being such a colourful, inspiring person - happy 2015 to you!

    Julia x

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    1. Hello my lovely! I hope 2014 was a good one for you.....and that 2015 will be awesome! Yes, just incredibly sad news isn't it. She really did exude cheerfulness in her blog. Take care xxx

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  30. Lovely, Lovely, Lovely Post!!
    BUT
    Please, please, please consider printing your photos into postcards!! I would totally heart to have a few in frames and they would brighten up everybody's day if one of your gorgeous photo's were to land on the mat from the postman!!
    Wishing you every happiness for 2015
    Nicky
    x

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  31. Ah thank you Nicky! You never know, it may happen one day! You'll be the first to know! xxx

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  32. Feast to my eyes.... Rejuvenated and spirited i am at this moment going through your serpentine lovely pics.

    Happy New Year to you and your family... Wishing you happiness, good helath, peace and all that you desire for

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  33. Full to bursting, and every picture utterly gorgeous ♥ You had such beautiful makes throughout 2014 and your colour choices are just inspirational, I really love dipping in to your blog Vanessa. Its quite therapeutic looking back over the last year isn't it ? I think you get so caught up in day to day life that you do actually forget how much has been achieved. ( Good plan not doing mosaics - I did for my 'look back' and it took me flipping ages !!
    Have a lovely first week of 2015,
    Kate xx

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    1. Thanks Lovely Kate! Yes, it's true. You get so caught up with the day to day that it's quite lovely to remind yourself what you have actually achieved in a year. I surprised myself! Have a super New Year! xxx

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  34. Your post is wonderful, an absolute cornucopia of delicious images and gorgeous colour!
    I love your sweet little forget me nots .....I was so sad about Vanessa Cabban too.
    Wishing you a very Happy New Year, and looking forward to visiting this beautiful creative space during 2015!
    Helen xox

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  35. A great year of making and doing beautiful and wonderful things! I hope that 2015 is just as good, if not better for you. Keep on running and going and doing and I hope that it is all good. xx

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    1. Here's to a great 2015 for us bloggers Amy! xxx

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  36. Lovely post and beautiful pictures!!! Do you happen to have a link on how to make the crochet flower on the scarf? And a link/pattern for the lovely poncho. The second one done in pink, green and white?

    Sue

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    1. Hi Sue, The flower came from a pattern in a Japanese crochet book. Here is the link to the blog post where I mention the book http://cocorosetextiles.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/trying-something-new.html also, did you mean the scarf with the big pom poms on the bottom? The pattern can be found here https://www.pinterest.com/pin/204773114282198827/ I hope this helps!

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  37. Happy new year my lovely one xxxx (sorry! a bit late) only just saw your post in my feed~ think i need to put my feeds to lovely blogs back on my blog i miss so many postings. On the subject of the sad loss of Vanessa i was soooo very sad she had sent me a few messages and i some small way you feel as if you knew the person if only in a very tiny part of her life~ her blog always inspired me too, especially her creativity in knitting, colour and illustration. Looking at your beautiful photography Vanessa and all its colour here today i think she would have really loved this post. It must be so hard for her family and close friends at this time to loose such a beautiful soul. life is so short and we all need to take something from this sad loss that life should be lived to its fullest and we must all care for those around us in their hours of need. Good for you to have your running shoes!...I only got one day off 'christmas day' during my temp job. So i have to admit i was rather good and didnt over indulge on all the naughty chocs, cakes and big christmas dinners!. but i could still do with loosing 2 stone!... I'm just going to try and walk an extra hour a day at a faster pace. xxxx

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    1. Urgh, I HATE trainers! Laughing! I don't much like this fitness thing....I can't move this week! Still, hoping it will get better! Take care my lovely xxxxx

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  38. Happy new year. Hope it's as productive (at least) as last year.

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  39. Althought I read your blog regularly, I loved looking at all the pictures of your finished items and drooled at their loveliness. Wishing you a productive year.

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  40. I loved it. I love your pictures. I hope your 2015 is beautiful.

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  41. May I say your photos are just gorgeous really!!! Your crafting is amazing and I really liked them! It's good to know you have achieved so much!

    Can I use some of your photos on my instagram? I really love the forget me nots!!

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    1. Yes that's fine if you could credit me for the images, that would be fab!

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  42. no problem! Do you have an instagram? If not I'll just credit it to your blog!

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    1. No, I'm not on Instagram anymore, just my blog now! : )

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  43. Hi Vanessa, such beautiful pictures, oh and happy new year to you too. I get to the end of such delights and then I do t know where to start except to say thankyou for sharing.

    I wanted to get in touch with you about a blanket I'm organising in Vanessa's memory. I got the ball rolling on a tribute on IG which was very emotional, but uplifting too. Her parents are really pleased as this was her world to teir minds. I know you don't do IG anymore so I don't know if maybe Cuckoo or someone has mentioned the idea to you. If not could you check. Y IG page which you can find on top of my blog or even email me at mrsbobobun@yahoo.co.uk as I'd love it if you could crochet a square for it.
    Thanks Vanessa
    Lisa x

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  44. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  45. Sorry to bother! Would it be fine if I added quotes on your photos?

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