Thursday, December 28, 2017

2017 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 with help from a team of supporters, I was able to add a wide format printer to my creative space - it has been a great asset for my business, and such a blessing.

I also added to my stamp line at Impression Obsession with a Spring release, which was revealed at the Creativation show in Phoenix.



February
One of my pendant designs was sent out in a curated subscription box by Fortify My Faith - that was a fun experience. Here's the collection all together, though the site seems to be closed at present.



I finished this painting, which was a fun challenge in skin tones, and a deep statement for unity - prints are available here.

March
In March (and several other times throughout the year) I was a super sponsor for the Coffee Lovers Blog Hop - I always enjoy playing along and providing prizes. The hop really grew this year!



April
In April Impression Obsession released their hybrid ink collection, and I enjoyed putting those to the test.


I also got to do a guest block for Whimsy Stamps - I just adore their sweet images, and their team behind the scenes. 


May
In May I released a new summer collection of stamps through Impression Obsession...



I also entered a few of my paintings in a regional art show, and was surprised to get a couple of ribbons! It was such an encouragement to me, and a great introduction to the art community in mid-Missouri.



June 
In June I was able to take a pencil class with a local artist, which again was very affirming for me... I had worked extensively with pencils, but needed a mentor's encouragement to push to the next level.


July
I spent several weeks in June working on this painting, which won a ribbon in another local show:


I also got to meet one of my dearest online friends, Bridget, when our visits with parents coincided in Idaho. That was such a special time! Bridget and I joined the Splitcoast Dirty Dozen team at the same time in 2011, and this was our first time meeting in person.


This little guy made his debut in my stamp line in July - he's proven to be quite a favorite!


Also in July, a friend asked if I would consider drawing her husband's dog for a Christmas gift, and with that commission, my art took a turn I had not expected! I haven't stopped drawing dogs since. This was my first portrait - this is Jake! 


August
In August we wrapped up another year's edition of Dare To Get Dirty, a Splitcoast event for our Fan Club members - this was one of my favorite cards. I've collected all these adorable Paper Smooches animal card dies - I just love them!


September
In September I got to visit with another fun stamping friend - Meg found her way over dirt roads to my little corner of the woods!


She also was kind enough to hand deliver a portrait of Lydia's kitties to her, and I love her reaction here:


I also shared one of my favorite tutorials with my Splitcoast friends - Debossed Die Resist.



October
In October I launched my new website for portrait commissions, and it's been such a help to have all my information in one place. 




We hosted Falliday Fest at Splitcoaststampers, and I had the privilege of working with 10 tutorial authors who shared their fun holiday projects with our community. Here's one of my favorite projects - I actually made 30 of these for teacher gifts!




October also marked 11 years of blogging here! It's hard to believe it has been that long, but what a blessing this community has been. The face of blogging has been changing slowly, and I don't blog as often or as deeply as I used to... I hope the things I share are still of benefit to you as you read!

November
In November I spent most of my free time working on Christmas orders, and I feel so blessed to be able to bring happiness to so many people! Here are a couple of favorites, and you can find the others in my gallery here.



I also had the honor of being a guest speaker at the Mid Missouri Artists Inc. meeting at the end of the month. I was able to share some business aspects and experiences, social media and supply tips, and some thoughts about empathy in art. 



December
I spent a lot of time in December filling orders for portraits, prints and jewelry - this was my final commission for 2018. Such a sweet face!




I can't tell what 2018 will bring! I didn't expect this turn in my creative journey at all, and I'm ready to see where it leads. I have ideas for stamp designs, and lots of ideas for tutorials and projects. My 'one little word' for 2018 is REACH... I think that word will affect how I set my goals and work toward a new balance for the coming year.

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. Wow what a busy year! It's been such a blessing to follow your blog! 2018 will be an exciting time - I just know it!!

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  2. What a FABULOUS YEAR, Dina!!!! There is ALWAYS MUCH MORE TO COME!!! LOL You will do WELL, OF COURSE!!! BLESSINGS to you & yours in the new year! It HAS BEEN FUN following you & seeing all the different paths your art has taken you!!! ;)

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  3. Love all your art and the many places it has taken you! I've learned a lot, too, thanks to you.

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  4. Lovely year in review! It is fun for bloggers to look back as well as forward. I hope that blogging stands the test of time.

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  5. Dina, I’m so proud of all you do and the grace with which you do it. May God bless your endeavours in 2018 with an abundance of His light and love through every creation. (((hugs)))

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  6. Hi Dina! You are Amazing! Your art is Amazing. I’m so happy for you and I know you have worked hard this past year. Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks and art. Happy New Year! If you draw my name, I want you to give the prize to someone else, just my way of passing it forward. I have been very blessed in 2017. Thanks so much! Paulette Still
    Craftqueen417 at yahoo dot com
    Https://paulettesprettypapercrafts.wordpress.com

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  7. What a wonderful year you had! I really appreciate all you do. I'm so glad I found you because of the blog hop. The Lord leads you to where He wants you to be!

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