Friday, December 20, 2013

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!

25 comments:

Evgenia Petzer said...

The projects are amazing! I have actually missed some of them;) and wishing you all he best;)

Erica said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous work Erin!! I oooed and ahhhhed all the way down. I'm looking forward to seeing all that you will create in 2014!! Merry Christmas.

Tusia Lech said...

Gorgeous projects Erin! We will miss you at 7 Dots, but I do understand you - private life is definitely more important than any other thing in the world. Take everything what is best for you and leave everything, what is not. I send you lots of love and light. xxx

Unknown said...

You certainly did choose the cream of the crop. Each of these is a masterpiece that I admire so much! What a wonderful year it has been!! Love you!!

Romy said...

Wow, each one of your projects is totally gorgeous! You have made some truly amazing projects throughout this year and I simply can't wait to see what you will come up with in 2014!

Lizzy Hill said...

fab year's review----May is my favest of the bunch.....goood on you for working out what will work for you in 2014:):) Sounds a good balance...good luck:):):)

Unknown said...

What an amazing portfolio of work Erin, and I've truly enjoyed reading this post and getting to know you a little better. It sounds like you've had such an incredible year with many blessings and I know you are going to continue to grow and inspire others with what you do. Looking forward to seeing what 2014 has in store for you x

Mrs Frizz said...

fabulous creations as they always are ... your creativity really is rather astounding ...

Good luck with your ventures and your adventures in the coming year Erin.

We look forward to seeing where they take you.

Hugs

Elena Olinevich said...

I have missed some of your projects too.
I will miss you in 7Dots, but I am glad to hear that you will still creating. Your projects are a great inspiration for me, and it seems as if they are so simple, that I can not stop to be amazed by your talent.
Moreover I like reading about your farm, kids, and your life.
Merry Christmas to you and your family

Patty O'Malley said...

Beautiful grouping of projects! Best wishes to you and your family in the coming year.

Vicky Alberto said...

Beautiful projects and WOW you are SO busy! 4 design teams is still A LOT and they are so lucky to have you :)

Wilma Voermans said...

A beautiful line up from your work. Wish you a super 2014!

Lynette Jacobs said...

So much beautiful projects in this post. Sometimes we have to make tough decisions when life gets busy. I am sure that you have made wise ones and will continue to be a blessing to those who you touch with your awesome hobby.

Carole Wright said...

wow you have had an amazing year, Merry Christmas and a happy god blessed new year. x

misty said...

You really can tell that you are a beautiful person inside and out and these projects are all so breathtaking! I can't believe how well you have managed to juggle so much. I bet you never stop. I get overwhelmed with 2 projects a week! lol

Davi said...

A fabulous collection to represent your years accomplishments and show your incredible talent as a designer! There are lots of decisions in life that are not easy but Erin it sounds like you have made some wise ones to keep your designing and family life in balance! Have a wonderful blessed Christmas :)

Lizzyc said...

Firstly, these layouts are all so amazing and so beautiful.. each creations here is stunning.. and secondly thank you for all the inspiration you have given to us all.. and I am sure we all say we wish you all the best for your future.. I loo forward to seeing you create next year.. Have a very Merry Christmas too!

Maja Stokk / eyovine said...

These are all amazing! You are so full of talent Erin =)
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas.

Georgia Heald said...

Beautiful projects as always Erin!! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas :)

Sandi Clarkson said...

God first, family second ... and the rest will follow. Sounds like you've made some great choices.

These projects are surely the cream of the crop .. all so very gorgeous!

May you and yours have the merriest of Christmases!

Swedka said...

Всё очень красивое, столько много работ. Вы умница. Я поздравляю Вас с новым годом!

Eila Sandberg said...

The alpha and omega of our lives will always show us the way if we stop and listen to what our heart tells us. You have listened carefully and made some very wise decisions Erin. Your work is a constant beacon of inspiration to us all, it is impossible to choose just one favourite - I adore them all! I know that you will continue to amaze us next year and the year after, for as many years as you will create. You have a beautiful blessed life with your family, harvesting the bounty of Mother Earth as it was meant. Wishing you and yours peace and happiness not only now, but always. I will miss being with you on the DT of OUAS, thank you darling. Love,

Tracey Gregory said...

These are beautiful! Have a very Merry Christmas!

okanogangirl said...

Completely understandable, friend!

I have to say, I am not a fan of neon. But I simply adore this LO you did with all white and a few touches of neon. STUNNING.

Blessings.

Paula Calvanico said...

Erin, you should be very proud of yourself. You are mighty talented, but family comes first. This is a wonderful hobby filled with generous beautiful people who are very understanding. Here's a story about a local woman in my town who has decided to give up not on just a hobby of her's but her biz to be closer to her family -

http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/business/20131213/sugarbird-desserts-to-cease-operations

She agonized over this decision but ultimatley made peace with it. Don't feel guilty :) You are much appreciated!

Paula <3