A Crafter's Journey

Happy New Year friends, followers, fellow bloggers! I hope that you enjoyed a safe and delightful celebration of 2010 with something bubbly to sip! Did 2009 just zip by or what?

Looking back this past year, I realized how much my card-making has certainly developed along the way... much of which is a result of so many great blogs that I visit and the creative inspiration and interaction that I get from so many of you.
I've been very fortunate as 2009 brought me so many great things...

...the opportunity to participate in the charter design teams of Dustin Pike and KLM Digital Designs. Katy and her Mom, Sue, two terrific ladies of KLM, will remain forever friends. With Katy's help I have a beautiful blog -- the chronicle of my creative journey. Thanks Katy!!

It's also the year that I found digital images.. those of the very talented Chris Dark at Sketchin' Stamper, and of Mo Manning of Mo's Digital Pencil. If you don't know the story about Mo, I was blurfing one day and came across her book and illustration site - she's an author of children's book and artist of fantastic images. Being the fanatic that I am for coloring, I knew I would love to color her type of work. I just couldn't resist, so I wrote to Mo and asked if she would ever consider doing her illustrations for stampers. Then, after many emails back and forth, Mo created her new digital stamp business, and the rest is history. Mo now has so many faithful followers. I am so proud to have been part of this wonderful venture for Mo and to take an important part in her charter challenge design team. Can you image listening to a total stranger from out of the blue in blogland and then acting on a request?

Last year was also time for me to move on from Stampin' Up. It was a great springboard for me as a new stamper, but when the new independent consultant agreement was introduced, I wasn't about to compromise my personal and ethical beliefs, creative license, and freedom of speech. And yes, the world beyond the limits of SU is truly amazing...and it's validated from so many of you day after day.

In late July, I met the very talented Michelle Zindorf when I attended her beginner and advanced workshops in Columbia, Missouri. WOW... the tips that you learn in her classes are amazing. Brayering is a whole new world and I'm only at the tip of the iceberg! The options are endless. Thank you Michelle for sharing your creative talent!

In my 'spare' time, I started my blog Operation M.O.M.... which is dedicated to cooking, kitchen tips and stuff about life. A significant goal this year is to dedicate more time to sharing things I've learned through my love of cooking, crafting, decorating, basic time management and being organized at home. Watch for some great stuff!

Since 2009 was my first full year of blogging, I picked two of my favorite projects to show you today. Both happen to be colored with Prisma and Lyra pencils (my fav) and are images from Mo's collection. The challenge at Quixotic Paperie this week is to share your fav... but I couldn't narrow it down more than this. You should check out their blog candy.. wow!

So, it's a new year, a new decade, with new creations, goals and resolutions. I hope you will join me in this creative and exciting journey to see what 2010 will bring all of us. I've resolved to take more creative risks and set some pretty decent goals for myself. How 'bout you?

My wish for you is that you have a most creative, productive, resourceful 2010. May your mojo be ever-present!! Thanks for stopping by, and until next time, be safe in all you do.