Friday, January 4, 2013

Belated Happy New Year Wishes!


Hey there, friends, it's been a while since I've posted. I hope those who celebrate Christmas had a very merry one. And warm (belated) Happy New Year wishes to all! My family and I enjoyed Christmas at our home with grandparents (my parents) and my sister, a.k.a. Aunt Pepper. A few days later, we all took off for the West Coast on a family vacation to L.A./Pasadena for the Rose Parade. It was quite an experience seeing the float construction the day before and then enjoying the parade in person at street level. While we were in California, we were able to visit with some of my dad's family (my aunts, uncles, and cousins), some of whom I hadn't seen for nearly 20 years. It was a great trip!

I do have some kind of big new-year news, I suppose. A while back, I decided to step down from the Verve and Cat's Pajamas design teams, and more recently the Deconstructed Sketch design team as well. (Sketch For You To Try shut down last month, so I no longer have that team, either.) I've been struggling with my papercrafting lately, and just need some time and space to renew and rejuvenate. 

Although it feels a little like going over the crafty cliff, it's really not. For one thing, I've still got the super fun Card Kitchen monthly kits that I've been designing with for the past few months, as well as a few other crafty things that will keep me both in my studio and blogging. For another, Julee, Alma, and Jen have graciously left their doors open (and I'll be participating in one more Verve release anyway). I can't say for sure what it will look like around here, but, among other things, I'm hoping to spend more time on Project Life (who else is in for 2013?), photography, Silhouette projects, and maybe even some mixed media. I'm excited to find my way to whatever is next!

I want to give a big, public thank you to JuleeAlma, Jen, and Jen for the honor and privilege of being on their teams. And big hugs to my teammates on all the teams -- they are the best, and I will miss them!

There is so much more I could say, but I think brevity is best. Here's to renewal and change and new beginnings! 

Oh, the places we'll go!

Love to all,


21 comments:

Miriam Prantner said...

I will definitely miss your work on those teams, but I'm curious and excited to see where your creativity will lead you this year!

Marisa said...

Glad you had a wonderful holiday season!!

Life's challenge is finding balance and prioritizing as well as going with the changes/phases of life :) Sad to see you step down but happy for you as you focus on other areas. Glad we get to see your goodies for one more Verve release!! Best wishes for 2013, Amy ((hugs))!!!

Eva said...

Happy New Year to you, too Amy!!!! I just wanted to send you some love. I know how hard it is to make decisions like that. Your work will be missed with these great companies! I am on the same path with you. Life evolves and I am evolving along with it, so I had to step down from quite a few teams, too. I am excited to hear you are going to try mixed media, as that is what I am going to get my hands into more. Hugs to you and can't wait to see what the future holds for you. :)

Michelle Woerner said...

Hey girl! That sounds like a fabulous trip. I hope you had a chance to see Tosh while you were at the parade? Anyway, you know I will miss your crafty goodness, but am glad you are sticking with the Card Kitchen kits -I love your work with those. Big 2013 hugs to you!!

Nancy Thomas said...

Already miss you Amy! I wish you well in your new ventures.

Nancy said...

I have been a huge fan an follower for years! I wish you the best at what the next chapter in your creative life in tails! Thanks for the years of inspiration!

Ashley Newell said...

So, I'm a little sad because you are one of my card making idols. But I'm super excited to see what else you create and put on your blog. Wishing you all the best! Hugs!

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Vickie Z said...

Amy-haven't always had time to comment but, have always looked!! Will miss seeing your creations on a regular basis but..... you need to do what's right/best for you!! I'm wondering too....hope you had a chance to visit Tosh at the parade!! Looking forward to visiting...however your crafty genes take you!!

Karen Day said...

Amy, enjoy the time to rejuvenate and find your new path! I'll be watching to see what you come up with next :o)

Jen Tapler said...

Right there with you my friend. It's definitely such a hard step, but when it's the right time, sometimes clearing the plate is the best thing. Hoping we'll be seeing some of your Project Life on the blog this year?? Pretty please?? Regardless, do keep in touch.

dpkennedy said...

I'm glad you're not leaving completely! I love your style and I'd miss seeing your creations! Sounds like you had a wonderful holiday season...enjoy more time with your family and exploring other creative outlets!

Kristy said...

Hi Amy
I have loved seeing you creations even though I don't think I have commented before. Good luck for the next bit as you have some time off and explore your creativity doing some other things. Your cards are always stunning. Mixed media projects are always so fun so I hope that they also help refresh your creative spirit - I love that there is no 'right or wrong' and it is so much about the process. I am just starting out with this sort of thing too :)

Oliwiaen said...

Happy new year to you too, Amy!
Goodbyes are always difficult, but less sad when something new is waiting to be explored. I do hope you'd employ your creative talent in a new way and share that with us! I wish you all the best!

Luanne said...

Sometimes we all need a break! Enjoy your time off, even though I'll miss your Vervy posts! Enjoy your children right now, they grow so fast. Lots of ((hugs)) sent your way....!

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Ree Donnelly said...

Amy, I was just blurfing around, and realized I have not gotten any blog post emails from you in a while...so I just came here to see what's up! Well, good for you to know when you need a break, and just step back for a while. I honestly don't know how all you girls do it, all while raising families and some even have demanding jobs too! So enjoy the slower pace...I look forward to seeing more of your beautiful creations <3

Niki Estes said...

I definitely understand where you are coming from. I've stepped down from all my design teams, too. I have had virtually no desire to stamp in a very long time. I am hoping to get back to scrapbooking more. I'll miss seeing your cards, but maybe it'll come back to you. Maybe it will for me, too. :) Have a great year, Amy!

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

I am so sad! You were one of the first blogs that i ever visited and I haven't stopped! Your vision and creativity have always inspired me! Please don't stop completely! Please share your new interests with us!!! I know ... I am selfish!!!
Actually, I wish you all the happiness in the world! I'll miss you!

Teresa Kline said...

Amy, my southern creating friend....I will miss you! You are extremely special to me, I have always admired your work and the VA roots make you even more special! I wish you all the happiness and success, whatever your hands touch will always make magic...you are a true master at this craft! You know where to find me!

hugs *~*

Janelle Stollfus said...

What a wonderful vacation! You know you'll be missed on the team and as one of my go-to inspiration blogs, but it is true when you need a time to renew and rejuvenate. I hope you'll be able to enjoy the time away and get to the things that matter most to you. Hugs and best wishes, Amy.