Each year I like to go back and revisit all the art I made and choose my ten favorites from the group (You can see my Five Favorite Holiday Cards of 2022 here) ... here are my favorites in no particular order.
1. My first card revisits a long-ago technique - Faux Cloisonné - which uses magazine pages and embossing. This card used a page from my vintage collection of National Geographics. I love being able to make old techniques new again (my first recorded use of it was with a Lands End Catalog page in 2006).
2. I was sad to see the end of Reverse Confetti in 2022, but happy for Jen for following her heart. This Valentine features some of my favorite Reverse Confetti stamps (perfect for Galentine Cards) and Confetti Cuts together with a favorite Gel Press Print.
3. I love the colors from this card made for an AlteNew Inspiration Challenge ... the dies can be a bit futzy to assemble, but I do love the end effect ... I also love how my Gel Press print incorporates into this design too.
4. I miss Paper Smooches too, so it was fun to pull out lots of stamps in my collection for this Father's Day Card for Shopping Our Stash ... it was fun including so many elements that remind me of the recipient. I have loved designing for SOS this year.
5. I loved participating in Birgit's month-long Gel Printing Challenge. My favorite was this cool print I made by stamping onto the plate with a lemon ... the creative magic of gel printing is still one of my favorite creative outlets.
6. I had so much fun Guest Designing for the Funkie Junkie Boutique. It was such a fun challenge to see how many elements from their store I could incorporate into my cards. I loved exercising my mixed media muscles.
7. I was so grateful that Lauren and I were able to resume our annual trip to NYC and for a few days of art camp. We declared 2022 Collage Camp, and I had so much fun going through Lauren's pre-cut collage elements and putting together some cards. This collage card coordinates perfectly with my Frida Khalo Inspired Monster that Lauren crocheted me for my birthday (she is on my desk at the office, so she can make me smile every day).
8. This card that was inspired by a card made by my friend SkyPaperScissors who is an ink-blending aficionado. It reminds me how grateful I am for long-distance friendships that have sustained me in 2022. It also reminds me that I really want to spend more time ink blending in 2023.
9. I had fun taking a Mixed Media Washi Tape Class with Donna Downey. Years ago, attending Donna's first Inspired Event was a real game changer for me ... it was the first time I spent significant money to invest in growing my artistry (and first time I traveled to an event by myself). It was a game changer, and the first time I really used the word artist to describe myself, so it was fun to revisit art with her and be able to thank her for the inspiration. I had fun combining washi tape with other media.
10. My final card was a winner at one of my favorite Challenge Blogs - the sisterhood of Snarky Stampers. I first used Taylored Expressions Sarcasti-Chick at the first Junkiefest event, where I eventually met the members of my crafty crew. It was such a relief to find others who I really "clicked with" in this paper crafting community. And this card just makes me smile.
I always start down memory lane wondering if I will find 10 pieces I love enough to feature ... and then as usual, have narrow down the possibilities to get to just 10 creations. I love the experience of revisiting my year of artsy creations.
Thanks for going on this artsy journey with me.
Comments