Year in Review, Part 1

Have you been seeing all the "year in review" posts around blogland? I first saw this idea on Amy Westerman's blog, Heartfelt Greetings, where she picked her favorite card of each month throughout 2008. She got the idea from someone else, who got the idea from someone else, and so on. I saw a similar round-up again on Sharon Johnson's blog, No Time To Stamp, and began to think it would be fun to do something like that too. I followed Amy's lead and picked a favorite from each month, rather than just my top ten overall. I'll start with the first half of 2008 today, and then tomorrow I'll show the last half. I hope you enjoy the look back!

One thing I chuckled over as I was looking back was how much I've changed and grown as a stamper (I still can't bring myself to use the word "artist," LOL!). Of course my design skills have improved, as would be expected, but what I chuckled over the most was the change in attitude. I can remember a time not very long ago at all, when, if I made what I thought was a really great card, one that surprised me and made me think, "wow, I actually made this all by myself," I would have the crazy urge never to stamp again. I thought I'd reach my pinnacle, so why not just go out at the top of my game? Of course, I would stamp again, and eventually, some new project would take the old favorite's place (a good thing, I tell ya - lol!). At some point during the past year to eighteen months, I have finally gained enough confidence to trust that there actually WILL be another good idea to come out of this ol' head of mine! And now, instead of wanting to stop, I can't wait to get to that next great thing, whatever it is!

I could be happy enough stamping my way to the next project all holed up by myself in my studio, but how much nicer a journey it is with stamping friends like all of you to share it with! I am so thankful for each one of you who stops by for a visit, and I look forward to all the fun 2009 will surely hold!

So here we go, 2008 in review:

From January 2008



These still make me giggle. Sentiments are: "Loads of Love, Valentine," "You're the complete package, Valentine," "I'm on fire 4U," "Police be my Valentine," and "Your bed or mine? [eek]"


From February 2008:




Altering 3-D projects isn't my strength, but I was thrilled with the way these turned out.


From March 2008:



I overcame my fear of rub-ons :)


From April 2008:



This one was even published!


From May 2008:



My first foray into coloring with Copic markers.


From June 2008:



Love all the bright colors with the crisp white. I can't believe this was all the way back in June, though - that means my current blog banner has been up way too long. But change is a-comin', I promise!

Se you tomorrow with the second half!