It's been a a year of changes in my life. My oldest son graduated from high school (yes, I'm old!) and then decided to defer college a year (which was a wise decision) but actually thought he'd hang out in our home playing video games - not! I began working full-time but in an interim situation to gain experience. (I graduated with a degree in accounting a little over a year ago). I'm now looking for just the right job to begin my second career (or my third career if I count my years as mom). My youngest left the large public high school to do cyber school from home, which was a necessary but not an easy transition. It's been busy.
I only did about half the card posts in 2015 that I did in 2014. That's a little sad, but it also kept cardmaking as my escape - not my job. I kept the design team positions that I most loved. I was first on board with the Curtain Call team and continue with that. I love being part of Freshly Made Sketches - it's the nicest, most caring, and friendliest team around - not to mention great sketches. My "company" team is Taylored Expressions - their product is such a good fit for me. I've often stressed over design team commitments, but truly, working with their product is easy every single time - I love it.
I've had some of my peak cardmaking accomplishments this year. I was published for the first (and the second time!) My first published project was in the November 2015 Happy Holidays special edition by CardMaker magazine. It was a trio consisting of a coordinating card, tag and luminary using Taylored Expressions products, focused on their Nativity Border die. I was thrilled to not only be in the magazine, but one of the trio was pictured on the table of contents page! I also had cards in the British publication Die-Cutting Essentials but I actually haven't seen that one.
Another milestone was reaching 1 million pageviews on my blog. I know that's a fairly meaningless number with the use of things like bloglovin' and feedly - but it still brought a big smile to my face when I saw the number. Thank you all! What means the most is how many of those viewers I feel like I know. I can't believe how much this community cares about each other - it's a wonderful place to be.
Picking cards to put in this post can be difficult. I'm always amazed that some of the cards that I like the most get very few views, while other cards that I'm not even convinced that I should display get lots of attention. I think it probably relates to the memories. The cards that I like may not be the best from a strictly artistic point of view - but I love what they remind me of. So here are my favorites for the year, picked for a variety of reasons. I hope you enjoy them too.
Products by Taylored Expressions
Sponging doesn't always work well for me, but this was an exception. I love the soft color gradient behind that beautiful tree
What fun to look through the highlights of your card making year! I love them all, Kim. But I always love everything you make. Wishing you a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Love looking back at all a year has brought. Fabulous array of wonderful cards too :) Hugs to you and wishes for a fabulous 2016!
ReplyDeleteI like all your cards. I'll make a bigger effort to leave my comments because your work is an inspiration for me. I loved the champagne glasses. That's a really good card for a lot of occasions including weddings and New Years. The sympathy card is really lovely. Those are hard cards to make. This one is particularly nice and had a hopeful feel about it but was also subdued as I think they should be. Thanks for updating you family and education milestones. I enjoy knowing a little bit more about you.
ReplyDeleteMary
Wonderful selection of cards, Kim and it is so cool to look back on cards and relive the memories. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteEVERY one of your cards are magnificent. Keep up the good work! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you shared your favorites; and I understand exactly what you mean about the ones people respond to the most. I'm often conflicted, but if I like a card, I'll post it. That's part of the reason we blog; to post what we like! And speaking of 'like,' I like your cards. All of them. I can see the thought you've put into each and every one of them. The care you take in your designs and colors shows through. Your loving kindness comes out in every single card. It's always a treat to stop by your blog to read what's happening in your part of the world, and to see the wonderful creations you post. Have a very blessed and happy New Year. Bev
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! Fantastic cars Kim. Looking forward to many more to come this year. :)
ReplyDeleteA stunning collection! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteSo much eye candy Kim!! I remember them and love them all. The champagne flutes are especially pretty!!
ReplyDeleteLovely Kim!!!!
ReplyDeleteBelated Happy New year, my friend! Your post resonates with me on many levels; the challenges and triumphs, the goals accomplished (super congratulations on your publications!) and those remaining to be reached (or 'renovated'); the journeys started - your eldest son in his transition year, your second in his alternative schooling, your search for a career-fit; the rejuvenation in seeing crafting as a joy, rather than a chore...and so much more. At the essence of your post, in my view, is your willingness to embrace change - even when it's challenging or unexpected - and to find the positive. Reflection and insight, sprinkled with humour and a dash of 'practicality', and a heavy helping of creative expression: your blog is rife with all! An inspiring place to visit! And speaking of 'visual' inspiration: oh my! Your gallery of favourites is amazing - and for me, how fabulous to see them as 'second helpings.' Loved them when you first shared; love them even more now! You = a gem!
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