Tuesday, January 1, 2013

A look back -- and a peek ahead

Happy New Year!  Today we ring in 2013, and the holiday gives me an opportunity (sitting here in my jammies all day, sipping tea and eating leftover Christmas cookies!) to look back over my blog from last year, to pick my favorites  and to reflect on what crafty changes I made, and why ...

Here are my favorites, which include mostly cards, but also some 3-D projects:
 
January 2012
CARD:  Paper pieced and Copic markers, Mo Manning digi stamps
In January 2012, I kicked off a new year of participating and hosting blog hops.  
This card was made for the "Baby It's Cold Outside" Hop -- even though the winter
was remarkably mild for us in the Philadelphia region.

 
February 2012
CARD: Swapped monkey cut, Tim Holtz stamp/die for tickets
In February, 2012, I enjoyed receiving cut swaps and stamped images swaps, including
this cute monkey a friend made.

 
March 2012
BANNER:  Art Philophy cartridge pennants, letters; Spiderman decals
In 2012, I hosted 4 banner hops where some 60 women from around the world made and donated banners to the special needs children at Pediatric Specialty Care in Bucks County, where I worked as Admissions Coordinator.  I and several of my close crafty friends also made individualized name banners for the children as they were admitted to PSC, to bring special joy to these kids.  More than 200 banners were made and donated throughout the year, bringing untold happiness to the less fortunate, disabled children.  Thank you!  

I have since left PSC due to a disabling foot injury, for which I continue to treat.  
I sincerely miss the kids we helped with your kindness!

 
April 2012
CARD: Using my newly-acquired Silhouette Cameo, amazed at the fine cuts
On March 27, I celebrated my 13th wedding anniversary; John looked all over to find the "Silhouette Cameo" I wanted as my gift -- but he thought that meant a piece of jewelry (Cameo pin or brooch?) in a silhouette fashion.  No, silly!  I wanted new crafting cutter that was/is all the rage.  My Silhouette Cameo arrived in April, and this is the first card I made with it. I continue to be amazed at how delicate the cuts can be using the Cameo.

 
May 2012
3-D PROJECT: Tinkerbell and Friends Cricut cartridge
In May, I hosted my first crop for a group of crafting friends I've met online. It was held at a local farmer's market with indoor space for lease, and we "sold out" the space available. Success!  I made this Tink-in-a-Jar "Capture the Muse" there, for posting on one of several Disney-Pixar Hops in which I participated in 2012.  I'm pleased to say I'll be in another Disney-Pixar hop later this month (January, 2013).  I'm NOT pleased to say that the market where I hosted the hop has since closed -- so I'm back to looking again for a suitable space for my next crop.

 
June 2012
3-D PROJECT: Cricut cartridges, punches - Floral wreath for Mom/Mother's Day
Hundreds of handmade flowers filled this large wreath I made for my
Mom on Mother's Day, and it took hours and hours of time. The joy it
brought her was well-worth the effort!

 
July 2012
CARD: Cricut A Child's Life cartridge, tri-shutter design
For this card, my goal was to get back to basics -- Cricut cartridge cuts -- 
with a fun and effective tri-fold.  I'd like to see this card published in a print magazine;
it did win top honors in the July 2012 online magazine, "A Homespun Affair".

 
August 2012
3-D PROJECT: Star-shaped box, cut using Silhouette Cameo
My dearest and very long-time friend is named Star, and she and I both have birthdays in August.  I endeavor to find a card with a star on it for her special day -- but this year, I used my Silhouette Cameo to make her a star box using star paper, and I filled it with yards and yards of cardmaker's twine.  (She too makes beautiful cards and inspired me to make my own, too.  She is one of my blog followers too -- Hi, Star!)

 
September 2012
CARD: Copic markers, Mo Manning digi-image
In the summer, I took both the basic and intermediate Copic classes when they were offered in the Meadowlands, NJ.  Thank you to Colleen Schaan and Lori Craig for the terrific experience!  I think my Copic coloring improved a lot since the classes ... and I do know that my Copic marker collection has grown even greater since!  In 2013, I hope to continue to improve my coloring, and to offer some Copic classes either online or in person (or both!).  Are you interested?

 
October 2012
PAPER GIFT TAG: Stamped image, Copic Air Brush, paper piecing
In October, I participated in a tag swap and tried out my Copic Air Brush System to make this card. I also cut the tags using a Sizzix die, and paper pieced and colored the snowman. 


November 2012
CARD/3-D PROJECT: Silhouette Cut
I reviewed the quality of white cardstock for Copic coloring, and posted the review online. I ordered a lot of the Brilliant White 130# paper -- a perfect heavyweight stock to use in cutting this intricate image using the Silhouette Cameo.

 
December 2012
CARDS: Digi-stamps, Copic markers
Throughout the year (from July through November), I participated in the first season of Paper Craft Island. These cards were one of my final projects.  I became known for my Copic coloring.  And I won the season!  


I am still thinking about what my crafty goals will be for 2013.  Here are a few:

1.  This one I know for sure:  I need to re-organize (and perhaps refurnish) my craft room, so I can find and use all the neat stuff I have.

2.  To learn -- really LEARN -- how to use some of the equipment and software programs I have. This includes:
   a)  PhotoShop
   b)  My new Epson R3000 wide-format printer
   c)  My (computer-driven) Husqvarna Diamond Viking 
        embroidery/sewing machine.
   d)  Silhouette Cameo's print/cut feature

3.  To share the knowledge, through classes, crops, articles, videos, etc.

4.  To improve my blog -- the frequency with which I post, the look/feel, the ease of accessing information, etc.

5.  To learn more, including to take Copic's new "Color and Ink" class ... and from fellow bloggers like YOU!!

6.  To make a few pennies from my craft, to support the habit -- by selling my cards, creating/selling art, and more. 

7.  To continue to enjoy what I do!


Thank you for being part of the journey!
 
DeFiaNtLy DiFfeReNt & CreAtiVeLy Yours,

6 comments:

Glennis F said...

I love the variety of your projects.
I have a Cameo on order, and waiting excitedly for it to arrive. Can I ask if you needed tutorials, or is it easy to operate?

Star said...

You are so very creative and talented---I envy you. Fortunately, you are also my very special and precious friend. Thank you.

Marghe said...

Son excelentes deseos para este nuevo año espero se hagan todos realidad feliz 2013

They're great wishes for this new year I actually made ​​all happy 2013, greetings from Venezuela
http://mayodetalles.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Ellen, do you have a search feature, I didn't see one.

Unknown said...

I love love love your tinkerbell, uhhummmm. But then I love all your posts. Thanks for being such and awesome blogger!

Jennifer said...

Oh, Ellen, I have missed you and your wonderful creations!!! It looks like you had an AMAZING year!!!!!! So much crafty goodness! It must have been difficult to choose your favorites!

I, too, am impressed with your Copics coloring (I only wish you lived closer!)!!!! And I love (& share many of) your goals for 2013!

Thank you so much for taking the time to share!

Crafty hugs,

Jennifer
partridgelu at yahoo dot com