Happy New Year

Happy New Year to you all. I hope you laughed lots and ate too much this Christmas time. I had a fantastic time with family and three weeks off work was definitely a much needed break. I learnt to play Rummykub, finally watched the end of the Sound of Music, made truffles, discovered that Ace Venturer Pet Detective is the answer to everything, raced my wind up ladybird against a cricket and a set of false teeth, ate a lot of sausage rolls, and spent far too many hours in the car.

And now I'm back. I've waded through my emails, tidied up and reopened my Folksy shop, and caught up with the blogs I follow. I have so much planned for this year and I can't wait to get crafting again.

I thought I'd start 2013 by sharing with you some of my favourite craft blogs, sites and events that made last year such a great one.

The Shiny Pigeon 

tips, tricks and general thriftyness

Claireabelle makes 

a fab blog full of DIYs, recipes and craft related adventures

  

MathildeHeartManech 

a fun and fresh lifestyle blog

CRAFTfest 

the most amazing online craft fair

Handmade Harbour 

craft business advice, tutorials and a Monday blog link up

Oh My Handmade 

a beautiful community of crafters sharing advice and encouragement

Handmade Success 

practical advice for handmade businesses

The Crafty Network 

a great blog providing networking and promotion opportunities for crafters