2019 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
I added a new collection to my stamp line at Impression Obsession with a Spring release - this release included some stamps that were a special tribute to my dad, who passed away in Sept. 2018 - this set called "Fred Said" is particularly special to me.
This keychain design proved to be my biggest seller for the year, and I added several other designs to my Etsy store as well. (Click HERE to see the new and improved version of this stamper's charm!)
February
My one creative goal for the year - I applied and was chosen as a juried member of a statewide art association called Best of Missouri Hands - it's a limited and exclusive honor based on craftsmanship, design, originality, and presentation. "Acceptance as a Juried Member indicates that an artisan has developed his or her craft beyond mere competence of technique to a high standard of quality." These are the drawings I submitted.
I also started a Facebook group to collect artists from my county - there is a wide variety of talent in our area!
March
My first colored pencil publication - "Wildcat Pride" - in Color - Ann Kullberg's magazine for Colored Pencil Artists.
April
In April I released a new collection of summer stamps - I'm always getting requests for masculine stamps, so I try to include them in my releases once in a while - this vintage catalog image mashup was just crying for some kind of anachronism, and I have to say... the selfie stick absolutely cracks me up!
May
I added a new tool to my studio! After researching some different wide format die cutting machines, I was curious about the capabilities of the Crossover II and received one to review. I haven't looked back!
I did a store demo and was interviewed by a writer from the Sedalia newspaper - the full article is here.
My Wildcat piece was published in this book - such an honor:
In June I got to be a part of two fun releases - Maker's Movement's jewelry line:
...and Taylored Expressions' Blender Brush collection!
July
July saw another stamp release for fall and winter, which included this set for small business owners (new business cards this year too!).
I entered a local art contest and brought some ribbons home...
We also hosted Dare To Get Dirty, a Splitcoast event for our Fan Club members - this was one of my favorite cards.
I entered a couple of pieces in the Missouri State Fair this year, and received an honorable mention, as well as this "fan favorite" award. So fun!
The Impression Obsession website got a long-awaited revision! If you've ever wanted to see alllllllll my stamps in one place at once, you can do that now!
October
I did a lot of crafting through September and October, and discovered a new obsession - paper beads! Here are a few of my first ones - I promised a post and video with lots of information and resources for these, and I will still do that! I think I have everything I need to get started now.
October also marked 13 years of blogging here! I'm thankful for a place to call my own, and the friendships that have begun - and continue - here! Here's a favorite October project - a card I made as a guest designer for Kindred Stamps.
November
My daughter and I had a booth at a local craft show in November - these are a few of the items I made!
We also hosted our annual Falliday Fest event on Splitcoast - this year's more relaxed schedule was a welcome change of pace!
December
One more publication surprise - this time my art appears on the cover! This is a compilation of this year's Color Magazine - 12 issues with stepped out instructions, interviews, articles, art showcases, etc. This wildcat had a big year!
Once again, it was an honor to bring joy to so many people by creating their gifts for Christmas - here are my orders from this year (the last 4 were Christmas gifts)! My queue for 2020 is filling up - I have 16 orders so far - so if you're thinking of gifting a portrait next year or ordering one for yourself, don't wait! (I only did 24 this year, so if that is my pace going forward, I'm booked through the summer for sure!)
WHAT A WONDERFUL YEAR, Dina! SO MANY accomplishments to be proud of! Rest up! 2020 is about to begin! ;) I'm SURE 2020 will be JUST AS WONDERFUL for you!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR! ;)<3
ReplyDeleteSo cool to see your year in review! TFS!!
ReplyDeleteYour year has been very productive and creative! Your talent is mind boggling. Your organization skills must be the same because I don't think I could accomplish half of what you have done in one year. It was fun to see what all you've done and hear the success of the group you formed. The area I am in might be a good place for something similar. Have a wonderful 2020 and can't wait to see the creations as we go through this coming year.
ReplyDeleteWhooot! You go girl!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo proud of you. You did new things for you-you expanded your horizon and learned things no doubt along the way.
That fantastic wildcat is running away with everything!!
You met work obligations, did big projects with your family (craft fair), started new crafts....It makes me tired just thinking about it all! LOL I think it is great you limit the number of portraits to what you are comfortable with.
Some while under a very dark cloud that I shared with you so I know....which just makes it all the more amazing. I am hoping some of it was soothing.
2020....There wont be another year like this for 1010 years (another double number)...I hope it is a year of good vision for everyone in the world on many issues. That you continue to get joy and happiness through your family, art, work and life.
You are one of my craft heroes!
Hugs Margot
Wow! How cool are you? Congrats on all of your accomplishments this past year, and for all that comes this year too! I'm definitely a fan.
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