Hi! Happy (almost) New Year! I hope and wish for many good things to come in the year 2014! New Year's is always a time to pause and reflect and take stock. For me, 2013 was a very hard year. Probably one of the hardest years of my entire life. I'm not really sad to see it go. Too much happened. I'm a very even keel sort of gal, and 2013 put me on a roller coaster ride – and I must say that I didn't really care for it. I am very grateful for what I have and the people I love. I am very strong in my faith that God is preparing me for a new chapter or a new phase in my life, and I had to walk through the "work" first. Do you know what I mean? Anyhoo, I digressed…
I am looking forward to making 2014 a wonderful year. My words for 2014 are: Compassion (to seek it and give it), Flawed (recognizing that I am flawed and that's okay), and THRIVE (because that's what I intend to do!). I don't really do resolutions – do you? What's on tap for your new year? I wish you ALL THE BEST! Let's make it a banner year!
One of the things I love to do here on the blog at the end of the year, is to take a look back on my creative journey! Today is my four year blogaversary! Can you believe it? So many of you have been following along with me the entire four years and it's been so much fun! I continue to be so happily amazed at the love and kindness of the peeps in blog land. Warms my heart and soul. I'm so excited and happy that I get to share with you what I love to do.
My blog is my journal, in a way, and it keeps a record of my life and my progress. So, on that note, here are some fun stats from the year. At the end of 2012 I had written 560 blog posts, received 5413 comments, had 104,000 visitors, 365 email subscribers and 362,000 total blog hits. At the end of 2013… I have written 722 blog posts, received 7527 kind comments, had 185,000 visitors, 521 email subscribers… and…. drum roll please….506,000 total blog hits! YAY! I had a secret goal to try to make it to half a million blog hits before the end of the year! COOLEST thing ever!
Last year I started a new tradition of recapping my favorite projects from the year! I got so many nice comments about this! Here are my favorites from 2013!!
This card from January was my entry into a Hero Arts Contest! The smaller panel on the front is actually an ATC that can come off. That map stamp is a fav, and made other appearances throughout the year!
For February I had to choose a Valentine favorite! This card was made in a color combo I love and using Papertrey Ink supplies…
This card from March just might be one of my favorite cards I've ever made! It took me hours to punch out and glue all those layers together – but I love the result. You guys can tell I love that shade of aqua….
In April I got the nautical bug! This trend was everywhere and I adore it! This card was made using Taylored Expressions stamps and dies…
In May, I made this card for my friend May! It was her birthday card and was full of an explosion of flowers. This one was really fun to make!
June's favorite card had me keeping it clean and simple, with some awesomely cute stamps from Paper Smooches and my go-to gingham paper!
In July I tried out a new color combo for the patriotic holidays! Gold and cream, and a gorgeous TE tamp and die cut of the USA…
In August, I was feeling like Summer bikes! I made the daisy out of some die cuts and used some new washi tape and fun dies….Love how this one came out.
For September I started my Autumn crafting with a gorgeous new stamp and die set from Tim Holtz. This card actually got me a mention on Tim Holtz's blog! WOO HOOOOOO! That was fun!
More leaves for October – Fall is my favorite time of year! This time, more leaves and inks from Tim Holtz in a yummy fall palette.
For November's choice, here is a card made using some cute apple stamps and dies…
December had me feeling inky and glittery all over when I made these poinsettia pins from the tattered poinsettia die from Tim Holtz! I made a pink one too. Totally fun project!
And now, just a few of my favorite photographs from 2013! First up is a butterfly captured in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco…
Some pretty pink dogwood blooms in the foothills of Northern California….
Summer Farmer's Market time….
My favorite Instagram of the year, took when we went sailing in October…
Another favorite Instagram shot of some cupcakes I made this year….
A beautiful white dogwood bloom in front of church at Easter…
Our anniversary trip to Carmel…where we saw Jonathan! LOL!
Our last trip to the beach in San Francisco – just a couple of weeks ago. This is why I love California! My last time to see the sunset over the ocean for the year. This is so peaceful.
Comments
15 responses to “FOUR year blogaversary! And, my end of the year wrap-up!”
Loved your post, the year-end review, and the photos. I wish you all the best in 2014 (and, hopefully, a trip to Chico sometime soon!).
Wanda, I love your work – enjoyed this look back at 2013, and I think my favorite was your lovely Valentine card! Happy Blogversary – here’s to many more years! Looking forward with you to a better 2014.
Stunning photos and gorgeous cards, You always blow my mind with everything you create, sweet friend. ♥ Can’t wait to hug you VERY soon!! Yay! 🙂
Love the concept of sharing your overview of 2013 via cards and photography-two of my own passions.
Happy 2014
Happy New Year Wanda! Thank you for a wonderful and inspirational year of card making. Your pictures of California are always much appreciated and so beautiful, especially the sunset on the coast. Looking forward to a new year of your great card making.
Beautiful comments beautiful cards beautiful photos all from the same beautiful person. Loved the way you warped the year up. You are a very special talented person & I’m proud to say my friend, love you & wishing you the best for 2014!
Gorgeous cards and photo’s ..Wanda I look so much forward to another year with your gorgeous creations and all your inspiration..and the best..your friendship!
love and hugs,Holly.
What a stunning collection of cards and photos…you have such an amazing gift of creativity and I am looking forward to seeing more of it next year. Happy New Year!
Lovely cards and pictures. Thanks for sharing and your blog. Happy New Year!
Many folks are doing similar recaps of their crafty year and I am enjoying these strolls through past projects. I remember quite a number of these when they came out but it is so fun to revisit them. Here’s to a calmer and craftier 2014!
Happy New Year, I hope 2014 is a better year for you as well. Your designs are so fabulous, I am nearly drooling. Cannot wait to see what this year brings you. God Bless.
Wanda, not only are your cards wonderful, but your photography is amazing!! I love the one from the perspective on the boat and the seagull. I love all of your photos, but those are so cool.
Hello Wanda, I just discovered your blog via Pinterest and will be subscribing! I love your work and am so appreciative that you share the “how tos” with your readers. I look forward to reading more in the new year and will be working my way backwards through your blog as time allows! Happy New Year!!
Happiest blog-aversary! I love visiting! So many fabulous projects and inspiration! Thanks, Wanda! 🙂
Fun recap of cards and pics! I’m not alone in finding inspiration here! Thanks for a great 2013 of creative inspiration. Looking forward to see what 2014 brings!