Year in Review: My Top 13 of 2013 {& a couple of announcements...}

This has been a busy, amazing year for me in so many ways- both in my offline/personal life as well as my scrappy life :). We bought a house and finally had running water again after 2 1/2 years which is a blessing that I am grateful for on a daily basis~! We expanded our hobby farm, adding several ducks and more chickens to our current flock. They bring me so much joy! My sister and I both had a dream come true when we made the Prima team, and shortly thereafter were able to attend Summer CHA together in Las Vegas which was a blast :)! I spent the last several months harvesting and canning my garden goodies, wild berries, and wild game. I love my life :).

I have an amazing husband who works hard to support his family, while never complaining. He is purely awesome. And I'm blessed with 3 beautiful children who have give my life a meaning far greater than I'd ever imagined. They move me to do better. They encourage my exploration in faith. They make me want to be a better person, to do better, to live the type of life that God intended for us all. 

Finally, I'm so thankful for the friendships formed and people I've gotten to know through this craft. It has opened up a whole new world for me. I love when I can say "Oh hey, I've got friends all over the world!"- so many that I've never even met and yet are close to my heart. Thanks for your kindness, friendship, and support. I love you all :)

Here's my Top 13 Projects of 2013. I decided to pick one project that I liked from each month (one month has 2). I hope you enjoy this review!

January

This was one of my very first projects for Blue Fern Studios. I'm so happy to have been a part of this company from the very beginning. It's allowed me to create lasting friendships and it's been a true honor to watch this new business grow into what it has become. I see many great things ahead for BFS!

February

I created this for one of the past Prima BAP or PPP challenges prior to making the team. I love the bright, happy colors and this sweet photo of my niece Paisley :).

March

I chose 2 projects for the month of March. I really got into altering and other non-layout projects this year which is something my creativity desperately needs. I have no idea how I survived as a "layout only" crafter in the past. I love to do different things and challenge myself in order to stay interested in what I'm doing :)

 

April

This canvas was created for Webster's Pages and I remember having such a good time creating this one. I don't often do really bright colors, especially neon- but how could you not get happy when using them?

May

I don't know what it is about this layout, but I've always just loved it. Something about the photo and colors that came together against the neutral background.

June

Sometimes ideas just come and you don't know where from- and such is the case with this layout. I had these photos of my son climbing a tree and the inspiration just began there. This one was tedious- but a joy!

July

I believe this was my first project created as a 7 Dots Studio design team member, using "Messy Head" by Olga Heldwein. I fell in love with this collection and have used it MANY times since.

August

This was one of those projects where I just really let go- and love what happened when I did :)

September

More bright, happy colors- this one was way too fun!

October

I started art journaling this year, which has allowed me to express my faith more openly. I now know why people art journal- and I would encourage anyone who is struggling with anything in life to give it a try. It's a good way to open up, explore, understand, and motivate.

November

This was the first project created with the new Magnifique Mixed Media kit that my sister Kelly and I have been given the opportunity to create each month for C'est Magnifique. This has been an exciting adventure thus far and can't wait to continue to watch it grow!

December

I shared this one not too long ago, but it just makes me happy :) I love my boys. I love when people are like "Wow, you used so many flowers and yet it still feels masculine"...I remember way back when I didn't think I could ever use flowers. Yes, my sister can attest to that! 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

I've had to do a lot of reflecting lately on my personal life vs. my scrappy life and have had to make some tough decisions. For months I've been telling myself that "things will slow down, they'll get easier"- but they don't. My kids are busier than ever, I'm very involved in my little farm and plans for its growth into a hopeful business, I've invested a lot of time in exploring ways of living a more self-sufficient lifestyle and have so many dreams attached to that. And of course amid all this, I have my scrappy career which I LOVE. But I've felt as if the load was a little too heavy and that I just didn't have the time for it all. So after many weeks of deliberating and picking the details apart, I've had to make a couple of tough decisions.

First of all, I have decided not to sign on for an additional 6 months with 7 Dots Studio. This was extremely difficult to give up as I love Tusia as both a person and business owner, and I of course love 7 Dots Studio products. It was an amazing term there and I'm so grateful for having been given that opportunity. 

Secondly, I have also said good-bye to the PaperHaus Design Team. Frank and Trina are amazing, patient individuals and I loved being a part of their team. I just felt that I could not hold up my end of the bargain, which is unfair to the other design team members. I feel that PaperHaus has the very best that an online magazine has to offer- and am blessed to have been a part of that!

So heading into 2014, I look forward to proudly representing Prima Marketing, Webster's Pages, Blue Fern Studios, and continuing to create the Magnifique Mixed Media Kits with my sister. I feel confident and solid in my decision and am excited to do my best in representing each of these teams to the very best of my ability.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and wish you all the best in the coming year!