Monday, December 29, 2014

2014 in Review

Another year has passed - quite a bit of it is a blur, so I'm thankful to have my blog as my chronicle of creativity! Here are some highlights of my creative year. Thanks for your visits and comments throughout the year - you inspire me!

January
 Impression Obsession released a collection of my Asia-inspired stamp designs at the CHA Mega Show. My stamps are available online HERE.


I also moved into my role as Artist In Residence at Splitcoaststampers! I have enjoyed that position so much, and had the privilege of working with some amazing tutorial authors as well.



February
A favorite and popular tutorial I created in February was how to make Faux Bacon!


 In February Flourishes announced that they'd be closing their doors, so that ended a sweet design team experience with their international team and as a designer for their text stamp images.

March
March was a frenzy as we packed up our house for an emergency move back to the States, but I created this tutorial for a Penny Black blog hop while my supplies were still out! I'm so thankful for my creative network of friends, and the opportunities I've had as a guest designer.


 April
 This year, Power Poppy was born! It has been such a blessing to be a part of this team, even on the fringes - what a beautiful group of inspiring women, and such amazing artwork from the spunky Marcella Hawley! I began contributing a monthly blog post, and this has been my most popular by far:


May 
 In May I spent a lot of time testing and reviewing colored pencils for my readers - I love doing these types of blog posts so that you can 1) make informed purchases and 2) USE what you have. You can always find those comparisons and reviews in the pencil comparisons and faq category to the left.


 June
 June looked mostly like this, as I worked on projects with my new stamp release! This is a walk-in closet that we affectionately refer to as Narnia. Magic happens in here!


 July
In July I added a Gelli Plate to my arsenal of fun tools! This was a purchase I had put off for some time because I was afraid I'd get addicted. I was right. :)


Here's another favorite project from July:


August
 In August we celebrated another year with the SCS Fan Club with our Dare To Get Dirty event. Here's a favorite project from one of our Mix-Ability challenges.


September
 I began Bible Journaling in September - that has opened up a whole new world for me and I love expressing my thoughts and impressions visually right with the Scriptures that inspire me. Here's the post where I share my product recommendations, and a favorite page from my Bible.



October
 October marked my 7th year of blogging! I also participated in this year's Hope You Can Cling To card drive - here's my favorite card from this year's challenges, inspired by Maya Angelou.



November
 It was my first year to coordinate the Holiday Tutorial Blitz, and November was filled with fun holiday projects and lots of interaction with our amazing authors!I also finished up this canvas, which is one of my favorites.



December
December is another month where most of my mojo is channeled toward card samples for the CHA Mega Show - to break up the card making rut, I made jewelry to sell! I've really enjoyed this side hobby, and hope to make some bracelets soon.



So what's coming in 2015? I'm looking forward to settling at some point - this has been a year of drawn-out transitions for our family, and that will spill into a large portion of 2015 as well.  I want to keep learning and teaching what I learn... with all the hits our industry has taken, I want to keep educating and inspiring people to create. Also, this year I want to move to larger canvases and paint some original pieces. I bought myself an easel for my birthday and I am going to use it.  I *think* my blog should roll over a million hits this year as well. That is a milestone to look forward to!

Thank you for your support over the years, and for inspiring me to keep creating! 
Thanks for stopping by!

7 comments:

  1. So busy! But it's also a year we became friends, and I'm grateful for that. Here's to a great year ahead!

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  2. I don't comment but I do follow your blog and your gallery at SCS. You are an amazing artist and teacher and I love how freely you share what you know. You are a role model for me in many ways! Have a great 2015! Hugs, Harriet

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  3. Thank you for all your inspiration!! Have a happy New Year!!

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  4. Bravo to you! Your blog is a joy to read. You generosity is legendary and your work inspiring. I wish you and yours the very best 2015 can offer, and specifically good health, love, happiness and peace.

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  5. Wow, Dina! What a wonderful year it has been, and we are so blessed by you and your amazing gifts that God has given you! You have been a special blessing to me while I was on the Dirty Dozen and continue to encourage and inspire me! Wishing you and your family a very blessed year in 2015, and I can only imagine what God has in store for you this year! Hugs, sweet friend!

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  6. ZOW-WHEEEEE What a year!

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  7. You are one of my favorite artist! Love your work! I enjoyed reading your articles at Splitcoaststampers! Happy new year!

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