Greetings and Salutations my dear crafty friends! Happy New Year's Eve 2020! I hadn't planned on posting a card today, or even saying anything at the end of the year.... But, my husband is repainting our bathroom today and he likes to work alone.... So I found myself in the craft room with Lucky, and the mood struck me to create a New Year Card. I have on some classical music and it's kind of gray outside. And it's weirdly quiet in our neighborhood today. In the quiet of my warm studio I created a card and thought about the year that was 2020. Normally I do a big production on my blog about the end of the year, and my favorite cards, etc. but I'm just not feeling that this year. And that's okay. I'm happy to say goodbye to 2020 and see what the good Lord has in store for us next year in 2021. I have some more thoughts to share at the end of my post, but in case you're just here for the card...I'll do that first!
This finished card is a white A2 card base. I used one of the new things I bought for Christmas crafting this year - the beautiful flurries background die and die cut it in black. I splashed some gold paint onto it.... I got out my very favorite New Year's stamp set and some numbers dies...and kept it clean and simple. I love black and gold/silver and teal for New Years!!
In this shot you can see that gorgeous background die. SWOON. I can't believe I hadn't used it yet! Kind of feels like swirling confetti don't you think?
I stamped and die cut the champagne glasses and used a really pretty Nuvo Drops color to mimic champage. I love how that came out! The Champagne glasses and the numbers are affixed to the card with small foam dots and the new year script was glued on with liquid glue. Very clean and classic.
So now that's the last card for 2020! I have a card to share tomorrow too - it will be posted in the morning! Whew. After I write this I'll be closing up shop for the year and heading out to the kitchen to make dinner. We have an exciting evening of dinner and movies at home. But isn't that what everyone is doing this year for NYE? So strange to think that Times Square won't be hopping like normal. But nothing was normal this year, was it?
I'm ending the year grateful. Grateful and tired. Exhausted. Weary. I literally cannot remember ever feeling this kind of tired in my entire life. Like down to my bones I'm tired. I am a worrying type of person and this year blew all my gaskets. It's definitely not the worst year of my life, but it is the weirdest. I feel fortunate that my immediate family is all healthy. First and foremost that's what matters this year. I have learned many many many lessons this year, and in the process learned a whole lot about myself. And I have learned the deeper meaning of grace. Grace towards myself and everyone around me. We all need a break, we're all maxed out. I feel like maybe this year, if we play it right, can be a reset. We've hunkered down and unplugged from going going going all the time. So when we can finally go back out into the world, maybe we can make different choices. Does that make sense? We can emerge from our isolation and do the things that really matter and spend time with the people that really matter. All the noise has been removed. It has been a test to sit with my thoughts all these months. And right away, the anxiety levels shot sky high while concurrently all of my coping mechanisms were taken away. WOWZA. Right. Just me and God. Down to the barest level of my soul. I am a quieter person now - and changed, probably forever. I can't see how any of us will be the same after this. But who's to say if that's good or bad yet. That remains to be seen. I am hoping that 2021 is a much better year for everyone everywhere. I hope we are kinder and gentler and more full of grace and love. That is my wish for 2021.
Thank you, all of you, who follow along with me here! You bless me and support me and keep me creating even when I don't feel like it. You inspire me and uplift me with your kind words and well wishes. I'm extremely grateful for that always, but even more so this year. Thank you. Bless you! Wishing you and your families all a beautiful fresh new year. XOXO
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021!
CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to see the supplies used for today's card. The numbers dies are discontinued so I subbed in the closest dies that match the same size and font.
Such a beautiful post Wanda! And a lovely card! Wishing you the best in 2021.
Posted by: Stacey Kowbel | 01/04/2021 at 01:14 PM
Well said Wanda! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Tracy | 01/01/2021 at 02:48 PM
Wanda!! 😄 Love your cheerful, celebratory card and love your post.
Here's to a better year ahead.
Happy New Year!! 🥂 🥂 🥂
Posted by: Teresa C | 01/01/2021 at 12:35 PM
You inspire me Wanda! Thank you for sharing your heart, especially throughout this difficult year, along with your outstanding art. Happy 2021! Here's to new beginnings, new creative adventures, and a year of good health and much happiness.
Posted by: LC Lamothe | 01/01/2021 at 10:31 AM
Love this New Years card. That background die is really detailed, need to check it out. First and foremost, thank you for your amazing friendship! Not only a great crafter but a great listener and very in tune with your followers. I know I can count on you for inspiration and keeping us "in the know" Happy New Year to you and Mark, and just look at all the great projects you guys have accomplished during these past months. Your home is in great shape and fresh paint always makes one feel so brand new.
Posted by: Anne Sturgeon | 01/01/2021 at 09:04 AM
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Anita | 01/01/2021 at 07:30 AM
Wanda, I love your gorgeous cards. Even more, I love your sharing. Thanks for this post and admitting your true feelings of loss and weariness. You put into words exactly what I have been feeling. Like you, my hope is in God, may the coming days bring us joy and renewal.
Posted by: Cindy Beach | 01/01/2021 at 07:05 AM
Happy New Year Wanda! Thanks for sharing your wonderful creativity all year! Hugs
Posted by: Frances Rodriguez | 01/01/2021 at 06:44 AM
Happy New year to you too Wanda! You add smiles to my face with your posts and I am sure others feel the same as you spread happy! Thank you! Keep happier, in 2021. Hopefully we can all spend more $ this year! LOL Many Blessings to you and happy wishes.
Posted by: Karen Jackson | 01/01/2021 at 06:27 AM
HAPPY NEW YEAR, Wanda!!! Yes, I HOPE our priorities are changed by the time we reemerge from our homes. I think that is what this time was all about for us... God uses things to change us & even people we wouldn't suspect as being His messenger. (We live in the country. Usually, people are setting off fire crackers, but not much last night.It was oddly quiet here too.) Here's too a GLORIOUS NEW YEAR, FULL of LOVE & LAUGHTER & REACHING OUT to those who need Christ! P.S. LOVE ALL the texture on your card!!! QUITE BEAUTIFUL!!!
Posted by: Becky Green | 01/01/2021 at 06:02 AM
Thank you Wanda! What a lovely card to end a year I pray we never have to repeat! God Bless you!
Posted by: Jules L | 12/31/2020 at 05:20 PM
Thank you for your beautiful post. I agree with you and this year has forced all of us to take a step back and come to understand what is really important to us. I hope that we are not the same after this year, I think it would be a very good thing to come away from this year stronger, kinder, wiser and more empathetic. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Evelyn | 12/31/2020 at 04:37 PM