Wednesday, December 28, 2016

2016 in review

It's a tradition on my blog to look back at the end of the year and pick out a few creative highlights! Hope you enjoy... this year went so fast, it's fun to look back through the blur! 

January
In January I had the privilege of attending the CHA MegaShow in Anaheim - it's always fun to see my new stamps on display, and to hug some of my favorite people.



My blog hit counter also rolled over one million hits in January - thank you for that!



I also released this print, which is favorite of mine. I've heard many stories about how it has touched and encouraged people around the world, and I feel like that's why I do what I do... it's beautiful when it comes back full circle to encourage my heart again.



February
Another print added to my portfolio, this one entitled Kept:



March
In March I painted this beauty for my Mom's birthday:



I also got to participate in a product review for the Epson SureColor printer - I am hoping to purchase one for myself this year so I can offer prints on demand, and work toward some other creative goals. I'll have more info on how you can help me soon!



April
A new release of summer stamps came out in April - here's a picture a friend took at a distributor show for me. It's always a thrill to see them in print!



This print also released in April - it was painted with many prayers for a friend who was dying of cancer... when we came home from Indonesia I had the honor of filling in for her on the piano at church when she needed a break. She passed away just before we moved in July. She would always say she didn't have cancer when she played the piano, and her words paired with some song lyrics inspired me here.

May
In May I finished the months-long project of indexing and organizing my unmounted stamps. It was a lot of work - I even hired my daughter to help me! - but definitely worth the effort.



I also did my first commissioned watercolor for a friend:


June 
In June my sweet Granny passed away. I did this watercolor painting from a photo I took during my last visit with her... it's very special to me.


July
We moved across the country in July, but not before a quick appendectomy...! I'm still not sure why that had to happen, but the timing (since it apparently did need to happen) could not have been any more tidy. 

July is time for Dare To Get Dirty - our Fan Club Only event at Splitcoaststampers! Here's the card I made for my challenge.



August
I released a new Fall/Winter collection of stamps in August - a chunk of the collection has a fishing theme, and I created this set in memory of my grandparents, who loved to fish... that's my Granddaddy with the fishing pole! You can find all my stamp designs HERE.


 Rebranding my blog and business was one of my crafty goals for the year.





I also opened an Instagram account in August! Take a peek and follow if you haven't yet.

September
Here's a favorite project from September - this sits on my table now... it's a great place for a to-do list!


October
October was a pretty epic month... I added a few more prints to the store in a coffee theme:



We moved into a new house...



and kicked off a new Fall event at Splitcoaststampers called Falliday Fest! It was a fun time of challenges and prizes, stocking up for holiday giving, and sharing tutorials for quick and easy holiday projects! This is the project I shared:



October also marked 10 years of blogging here! It's hard to believe it has been that long, but what a blessing this community has been. Did you notice the transition from Mamadini's Stamperia to dinakowalcreative.com? :)

November
In November I set up my new web store, which has been so nice - customer communication is so easy through this platform, and I love the format and location right here on my site!



I also added this lighthouse print to my collection, featuring a favorite hymn...




December
Another year in the books! I added art pendants to my store, and I've had so much fun making them. 



New Valentine stamps are available now, including this adorable sloth...! (Come back tomorrow and Friday for more previews from the team!)




Next year I'm hoping to expand my home business by reaching out to small stores and subscription services, and selling at craft shows... if you know of a place that would be perfect for my art, please let me know! Also, look for more product reviews and videos again in the coming year. And studio progress!!


Thanks again as always for your faithful support, comments, and encouragement - my greatest encouragement is to see you learning new things here and using what you learn!
Thanks for stopping by!

7 comments:

  1. Dina, my friend, it has been my pleasure to follow your wonderful progress during this 2016 and I am so glad you did a recap so I could remember all that happened in your life. I am so pleased about your stamp releases and your offerings in your Etsy shop. What a year! Congrats!

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  2. Thanks for the year-in-review. Congratulations on all your achievements.

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  3. Wow, Dina, what a wonderful year in review today! It surely has been an amazing one, with all sorts of good things along with the "bumps in the road" that we know God had planned. But we continue to glorify Him in all we do, and I praise God for the gifts He has given you to share with us all. Much love to you and the family as you really settle into your new home and life. Hugs and love! xoxo

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  4. Dina you amaze me with your awesome talent. I would love to buy more of your stamps. Can you tell me what companies carry them.
    Have a happy and blessed New Year.

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    1. Oh, thanks so much! My stamps are at Impression Obsession - http://www.iostamps.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=IOSTAMPS&Category_Code=DINA - you can also find them at stores like http://www.ellenhutson.com/#_a_141, Simon Says Stamp, Frantic Stamper, etc.

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  5. OMG Dina, you are the most creative and productive artist with all of us benefiting from your expertise. TFS and good luck with your 2017 goals...can't wait to see your remodeled studio cabin :-) Hugs, Nancy

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  6. Great wok Dina. I love your designs, especially the fishing themed collection. Like your grandparents, my husband & I LOVE to fish. We have a fantastic time out fishing so I can identify with your grandparents. Great work I am sure they would be honoured by this!
    Happy New Year!

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