….of 2020!
Did you have a scare!?!? No, I’m not quitting cardmaking – just getting ready for my YT card sabbatical in December! So since it’s Black Friday, it’s my traditional “final” card on YouTube!

Supplies for this project are linked at the end of this post. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.
This card is bigger than I usually make at 5″ x 7″, but I wanted to have both buildings in it! And the critters….lots of tiny gift-shoppers! And by the way these are from Purple Onion and Michele is having a sale….so get on it eh? Links are in the shopping list down below as always!
For the background, a light airbrushing over most of it set the soft tones for the snow. You might be good enough with blending inks to do that step then add color over it? Not sure how that would work!

The little critters were stamped in a circle around the lantern post, leaving light color around that area. It’s a really tall one – letting the viewer know what it is by the lighting even if you can’t see the top! Notice for the little mouse Maggie, she has bent knees – I ended up giving her a little snowbank to sit on with a shadow behind her, nad creating L shaped shadows from her toes backwards!

If you missed out on my previous epic card with the buildings in it – be sure to watch that one too:
Black Friday +
There seem to have been Black Friday sales for a month or more – so I’m not sure if there are any deals left?! lol! Well *I* have held off til today for my sale on classes! Use coupon code THANKS2020 for 30% off all classes over $20 – tomorrow it’ll be 20% with the same code, and 15% Sunday, with popup sales on social media until Christmas!
There are four new classes, PLUS the Flower Power is on this page because signups end 12/31!
If these classes aren’t what you’re looking for, click on the categories link in the menu and scroll through what you might like to try!
Supplies
Some product may be provided by manufacturers for review and use. Compensated affiliate links are here at no cost to you. If you choose to shop using my EH (Ellen Hutson) links, please accept cookies on that site in order to retain the link to my blog, or that compensation does not happen for me. I appreciate your support of my work with your purchases! Full affiliate and product disclosure | My trusted partners in art
- Purple Onion Designs:
- Hank (winter shopping owl)
- Poinsettia (winter shopping goose)
- Timothy (winter hedgehog with gift)
- Maggie (winter mouse)
- Copic Markers: EH – Blick
- Neenah Cardstock 25pk – 250pk
- Jet Black Lawn Fawn Ink Pad
- Airbrush: :
- ABS3 EH • AMZ • Blick
- Air Compressor and cord if it doesn’t come with it
I love this Sandy!
thank you very much for the sale – I picked up ‘Stamped Watercolor’
Gorgeous card Sandy, the background in blues is awesome.
I love to watch and hear you teach, thank you for again a year of inspiration, learning and the awesome “lockdown talks” on FB, you gave me more than once a big smile or loud laughter. Also a big thank you for all the time and effort you put into everything you do for us, for many craftes you mean more than you think.
What was so wonderful about 2020? Well I had lung surgery and although the stay in hospital was’n the expected three weeks but almost eight and a second surgery, the bennefit of this surgery is that I’m breathing easier, most days I don’t need extra oxygen when I’m home , I’m stronger and can walk (with oxygen) outside longer then the last couple of years. So yeah, that was great about 2020 for me and my family.
Enjoy your sabatical Sandy, have a wonderful Christmas, stay safe and I see you on IG.
Love how the blue background made the characters pop. I will follow you wherever you pop up! I learn something from you all the time. I may not have to the time to practice it or use if but it “shakes up my world” in a good way. How was 2020 a good year? That is a tough question, but I guess I would have to say that I have been able to give more this year than ever. Especially to my church. I have gone thru many financially bad times in my life, and tend to cling to what I have. But it’s true that the more you give, the more God gives back to you. So I am feeling less fearful about letting go of my money.
Love all of your videos! I have taken a few classes and have a few more to complete. Enjoy your holidays!
Adorable card, loved watching the video. Enjoy your time off! Happy Holidays!
Rest well, have a peaceful sabbatical and joyous Christmas season!
I’ve recently discovered your videos and you quickly became my favorite. Your work is beautiful and inspiring. I’m not an artist but more of a crafter and your watercolor work breaks it down for me so I can really try your techniques. Your explanation of the tools used help me to select the right products to succeed. I love your work!
What an adorable townscape! The way you layered everything is fabulous. What a great finale before your well-deserved annual sabbatical. Have calm and peaceful days. Thanks for all you do.
Sandy, I would like to thank you for all that you do. You bring colour into my day and make me smile and for that I thank you.
I think 2020 has brought people closer together. Our lives have become so busy, we rush out of the house in the morning going to work, dropping kids of to daycare or school then we rush home after work and then we’re off again for appointments or taking kids to after school programs or sports and then rush home throw dinner on the table clean up and if all things go well we can finally sit down and relax. But in 2020 things came to a halt and we no longer rush from point A to point B we are staying home and enjoying each other, going for long walks, cooking together, reading more, creating art. We learned that it’s okay to sit back and enjoy life and most importantly each other.
Enjoy your time off and I look forward to creating with you in the new year
Cheers
Charlene
Dear heart – you could put anything at all in a video and I would gladly watch it, coffee cup in hand. I applaud your decision to get away for a bit to re-group – as long as you come back eventually! This card is a great example why we love you – even without your instructions, I found out how to make a quick & easy lamp post. So there ya go! Have a refreshing sabbatical.