2013 - A Year in Review

Happy New Year! Here is to a wonderful 2014!!

I try to do a project "year in review" each year. I like to look back on my "life's work" and I think many of you Readers like it, too!

I picked a bunch of projects that I made during 2013. I chose those that I really liked. Either I just liked the finished result or I liked the technique - something about this set of projects just "hit the bull's eye"! This post is LONG and photo-heavy, so grab a snack and settle in!

I created this card for a guest DT spot with Our Daily Bread Designs. I love how it came together. I love the paper, the stamps, the crinkled edges, the paper piercing. All of it!

I made this canvas for Hampton Art in the late summer/early fall. I had not done any "all mixed media" in a while so I really enjoyed this project. I just let my messy flag wave and had a blast!

This card has been around the block. It appeared at Winter 2013 CHA, was published in a magazine, was used on several blogs, plus I featured it on my blog as part of a card series. It is one of my all time favorite projects ever. I love the image, love the papers, love it all to pieces!

I created this shadow box/photo frame for a friend (who has finally received the project!). I love this paper and had a fun time altering the box, chipboard, and metal items.

This is another card from my card series. This one was published as well. Yes, I sure love me some Graphic 45 paper!

 Here is another take on the Valentine image! I love mixing patterned paper!

Proof that I do have paper other than Graphic 45 in my stash! I don't do pink often, but sometimes...I just love something girlie! And again, there is a nice mix of prints here!

This card is one of those cards that just jazzed me up. I don't stamp directly onto paper very often, but this just worked out so well. I was so impressed with it when I was finished. I really love the IBS stamps! So pretty!

I created this mini for Hampton Art, for their CHA booth. You need to see the inside - here is the LINK for the "guts." It is one of those projects that I enjoyed making so much that I hated to send it off.

This is a wooden box that I made for my daughter to put her art pencils into. I love gluing a mix of flowers, metal, and other junk to stuff. It makes me happy!

I did not have much time to color with Copics in 2013. This is one of the few times I did. I love the little image and all the layering and embossing on this card.

And here is another Easter-y card. Embossing, banners, stamps, oh my! I love kraft and pink together!

Ok, here is a spring-time card that I made for the Graphic 45 Place in Time card class series. If you want the project sheets for the year, click HERE.  I love how this one turned out. 

I don't do very many "white space" creations. But every once in a while, I make one and BAM, it just turns out so well.

I did not do very many page layouts in 2013. I was so busy with card work and altered items. I made this one for Hampton Art for winter CHA. I loved playing with mixed media stuff! I grew up on the banks of this creek in central Pennsylvania. It's so beautiful.

Sometimes, a card comes together and it has a look about it that is so peaceful. That is how I feel about this card that I made for one of the Graphic 45 Newsletter tutorials.

Another card from my Place in Time monthly set. This one is for a wedding (or anniversary).

I made this card for my niece's wedding this past June. Her colors were purple, yellow, and green. I really love how this turned out, especially the flowers and layering!

This one was from the G45 retailer card classes. I love the rosette! And the beachy feel. Here is the project sheet for it.

And another one for summer. Adore the girls and the stars. I have a think for red, white, and blue! Oh and banners, love 'em!

Like I said, I love red, white, and blue. I bleed it! I love my country (not it's politics, but the earth, the people, the constitution, you get my drift). My dad and all four brothers served in our military. I made this layout of my 2nd oldest brother. It is simple, but I just love it.

I used the same photo to make a shadow box. Love love love the rosettes and the stamping!

This card is one of those that, when I look at it, I think....wow, that's pretty! I really like all the printed papers! (Not Graphic 45, notice! hee hee)

This card is one of those that I look at and think, "Did I make that?" It is fun and has a few great techniques! I "felted" the paper for the flower using,,,chalk! I mean, really?!!

This is another one that is not my normal style. I used a lot of glitter. That for a start is not me! {giggle}

And, classic Graphic 45! French country, ooh la la. What more can I say. Oh, and chalkboard! 

I love this one because it is back to my "roots" of collage stamping!

Ok, this is a tag that must weigh 10 pounds! I love it. It has so much going on that I can sit and gaze at it for hours. {Maybe I do need a 12-step program!}

Love the flowers and the flowered paper. And the red. 

An easel card. Gotta love those, right. Here is the project sheet for this one!

And because I love that image and paper so much, another card! Layers. Ahhhhh, so nice!

One of my all time favorite mini albums! This album is filled with goodness. Here is a LINK to see the inside! 

I adore that image. I just think is is so precious! So...

I used it twice! {wink} This one has a project sheet. Click HERE. 

I cannot resist a rosette! I think this is so fun! Here is the project sheet for it!

Awesome mini book, with TAGS! Too fun for words! And there is a project sheet for you!

Another lovely image! Fall colors are my favorite colors! Plus, I love pumpkins! {And pumpkin pie!}

This is a mixed media piece that I made. I used a white wash technique on the papers. I love how this turned out. I really love it, but I gave this to my friend, Jacquie for Christmas. I may have to take it back.... {just kidding!}

There is nothing like making a box and stuffing it with cards! This project was HARD, but the end result was so cool. Check HERE for project sheets.

Ok, the rest of these are Christmas cards. I love vintage Christmas images!

As you can see, I love love love to layer papers! The process of choosing papers it the most fun! I love it when I pull out several manufacturers and mix and match papers. It is like a puzzle and a game all at once. 

I hope you enjoyed this stroll through 2013! Have a Happy and Blessed New Year!