A Look Back at 2014

Both Mynn from On a Stampage and Deborah from A Scrapjourney have some link-ups going that are pretty darn neat. They're looking back at some of their favorite creations from 2014. They both do such amazing work - I can't believe they only picked a few cards! I thought it would be fun to play along. Also, Wendy over at Crafty Kiwi Mama is having a look-back link up with prizes. She invited me to play along, and I'm happy to join in. Go check it out!

I only just started blogging back in September, but it's been so eventful. I've been so blessed to have "met" some amazing friends. I'm all by my lonesome here in North Dakota - most of my family lives elsewhere and this is not the craftiest of communities! Having your encouragement through the blogosphere has really reignited my passion for creativity! 

Without further ado, here are my faves for the year:

September

I wanted to join in the fun over at Deborah Nolan's Society of Stampaholics Card Chain Challenge. It's an awesome monthly international card exchange. You had to have a blog or a Flickr account to sign up, so I took the plunge into the bloggy world. So you all really have Deborah to thank for my zany antics. 

 

September also marked the first time I participated in challenges. One of the first challenges I ever found was over at STAMPlorations and I entered this card. And I won! My heart almost gave out when I saw my card displayed in the winner's circle! I went on to win 3 other challenges that month, and my fate was sealed. I was a blogger. By the way - it's ok to laugh at my first attempt at a watermark! 

October

In October, I really began to stretch my creative wings and experiment with more artistic, interpretive cards. I had so much fun with this one, which was very personal to me. It marked a new chapter in my story, and the realization of a freedom I finally felt.

October was also the month that my Aunt Jerrie of Coloring Outside the Linez joined me in the bloggy world. Being legally blind, she is my crafting hero! It doesn't matter that she sometimes colors outside the lines (hence the blog name) or misplaces a glue dot somewhere, she keeps on doing what she loves. Having her to talk to about this new part of my life has been AMAZING - even if I do have to be her blog's technical support on-call technician. :)

November

By November, I was going crazy trying to figure out how to keep track of all the card challenges I wanted to participate in. I am a very visual person, so I wanted something that could hold pictures of the different challenges. 

And so, the Inspiration Station was born. Check out that link to see how I made it! I felt pretty chuffed when it was featured on Jen Shurkus's facebook page. 

It was a great month for me as I was accepted onto my first design team over at Eclectic Ellapu! I was (and still am) over the moon to be selected for a team with such talented designers! 

I also made this card to mark Veteran's Day, and to honor my family who have served. 

November was also a personally challenging month for me because my beloved Grandma, and longtime crafting companion passed away. She is so very, very missed and I want to thank all of you again for the outpouring of support. It meant so much during that difficult time.

December

December was a busy, busy month. and it saw some new changes. I made my second Design Team over at Crafty Gals Corner! Woooo! It's a new challenge blog and I can't wait until January when I get to start sharing their challenges with you. 

I also was invited by the fabulous Shery Russ of STAMPlorations to guest design. I did a full tutorial on how to stamp with sweetened condensed milk! 

I know I just shared this card yesterday, but it really is my favorite from the month. 

If you'll notice, I also debuted a new watermark. Haha! 

The New Year is already bringing some great things. I'm going to be Guest Designing at Mixed Media Mojo in January and have some other exciting news that I can't share quite yet! 

But most of all what I look forward to in 2015 is all of you. You seriously don't know how much your kind words, thoughts, and creativity make me smile! When I said I met some new friends, I genuinely mean that. Seeing your works of art keeps me inspired. I feel so deeply blessed and don't want to let go of this new world for anything.

So here's to you! Here's to bringing in 2015 with a bang!