Why Rosie's Book?

While growing up, I had a dear friend, Renee, that lived next door and with whom I spent much of my childhood. We grew, in different directions, and went on our merry way. Many years later, I ran into her parents and they kindly reminded me of the laughs they still have over my book. “What book?” I wondered with a puzzled look. "I don't remember a book." Hardy laughter accompanied their response. At some time during our childhood, I tried to convince Renee about something that her parents didn’t agree with. I told her that proof of its truth could be found “in my book.” Naturally she went home and tried to convince her parents of the same thing but they weren’t falling for it. She needed an edge and told them emphatically, “It’s in Rosie’s book!” After they caught their breaths from reborn laughter, they let me know how “Rosie’s book” has been cited for many other things throughout the years. They’ve also mentioned that they’d like to see “Rosie’s book” one day. I can’t remember all of the things that I said were in “my book” but I’m sure my dear friend’s parents can recall much more than I ever knew about – LOL!!! So, here it is . . . my version of things you might find In Rosie’s Book . . .

Friday, December 30, 2011

My 2011 Blog Year in Review

Karin over at With an "i" For Paper is hosting a Year in Review Blog Hop and offering a $25 gift certificate and another for $15 to randomly selected entries.  What a fun way to highlight some favorite projects or events from the past year.

Click Above Photo to enter


2011 has been an important growing year for me with my blog.  I began the year as a newbie blogger and in the past 12 months, I think I've progressed to at least a slightly-experienced blogger. I've been inspired and encouraged by so many amazingly talented artists.  As I look back through the year, I see how my blog posts show that my papercrafting interests have changed a bit as I'm more likely to skip scrapbooking layouts in favor of card making or other gift giving projects.  I've included some of my major blogging/crafting events below.  These are some things that changed the way I post blog entries or create my projects.

In January of 2011, I invested in a Sizzix Big Shot Pro die cutting machine and with just a few dies I developed an interest in enhancing die cut projects with embellishments.  Here's an example of one of my first Pillow Purses:



In February, I entered my first sketch challenge using Lady Tilda on a card.  I learned how following a good card sketch can help to unblock creativity and get the juices flowing again.



I was thrilled to accept an invitation to join the Copic Goddesses design team at the Copic Creations Challenge blog in March and held my first blog give away.  I was introduced to the fabulous fantasy images at Crafts and Me Stamps (Yay!!!). I also had a project published in Magnolia Ink's magazine!



April brought more experimenting with card shapes and styles.  I also posted a photo that was successfully taken under a black light, showing my Copic Fluorescent-filled image on a card:



In May, I had to find a way to add Copic clouds to my images and so began experimenting.  I've used this technique on many of my cards since.



In June I added my first real guy card and held my second blog give away . . .



I was overjoyed to accept an invitation to join the Dynamite Digi design team at Crafts and Me Stamps and began entering my projects into multiple challenges in July.  I also added my first 2011 Christmas card.



I spent quite a bit of time with Spellbinders Labels One dies and in August I posted ten examples.  I also gained my 100th follower!



I dabbled in the Steampunk trend in September . . .



In October, I found Elisabeth Bell's World Challenge blog (Yay!!!).  I also posted various ways to use Spellbinders Labels Two.



I was thrilled to accept my first guest design team assignment at Elisabeth Bell's World Challenge in November.



Adding multi-textures to this multi-layered Christmas card was a fun way to spend some time in December . . .



Oh, it's been a fabulous year in papercrafting, alright.  After looking through all the photos and my posts, I understand better why my dear non-blogging husband, when seeing me with my camera or at the laptop after 7pm, is compelled to ask, "Whaddaya have a blogger tonite?"

Thank you all for your kind words, encouragement, and inspiration.  I am ever grateful.

Here's wishing you a happy and healthy New Year that's overflowing with all good things!

24 comments:

Ellibelle said...

These are gorgeous! I think my favorite one is the last one, because I love those colors! But they are all just beautiful and beautifully designed!

Wishcraft said...

An absolutely beautiful selection of cards, love your colouring :o) Happy New Year! Lisa x

Karin said...

Your projects are lovely and full of beautiful embellishments! Hard to choose a favorite from among these pretties! Thanks so much for playing along and linking up at my blog. Happy New year!

Lorraine said...

Beautiful selection and range of creations! Thanks for sharing! Happy New Year!

AllisonG said...

What stunning cards! I have never seen Copic fluorescent markers before - that was a very cool card!

Terri said...

They are all great! Love the purse. Happy New Year!

TannyP said...

Wow! What a beautiful year in review =) Amazing projects and blog progress!

Sharron said...

So many gorgeous projects--your coloring is wonderful! Love the purse and the fabulous Christmas card!

Godelieve said...

A wonderful selection!
Love the copic clouds and the guy card especially.
Happy New Year!

Joyce said...

Beautiful cards and projects. Your copic coloring is truly amazing.

Kim Heggins said...

Wow...all of these are incredible works of art!

lisa arana said...

Wow, you have had a fabulous year!!! Your cards are amazing. Happy New Year and I hope 2012 brings you lots of crafty joy!

Sammie - Stitches 'n Scraps said...

Gorgeous cards. You are very talented.

Paula-Scrap Addict said...

great coloring skills!

Tracy said...

Oh Rose your cards are fabulous! The mermaid and your Christmas card are my faves. Thanks so much for sharing in the hop! Happy New year!

Ally said...

I enjoyed that little tour of your year in blogging. ;-) So many beautiful projects, fun events, and gorgeous images - fantastic!

Thanks so much for your comment on my Review post - I appreciate it!

Happy New Year! ;-)

Joan B said...

Wow, that Christmas card is stunningly beautiful! Love seeing your beautiful highlights of the year.

Wendy ten Hove said...

These are gorgeous, love your coloring!! Very nice to see them all lined up here, fabulous inspiration! Love it!
Wishing you a wonderful new year!
Hugs, Wendy

scrapsnsuch@gmail.com said...

What detailed creations! December is my fave - just love the sky - gorgeous!

Julie Aldridge said...

The Copic Fluorescent-filled image is really cool. I didn't know they could do that!

Cheryl said...

These are all so gorgeous! I love your coloring. Thank you for sharing!

Wishing you a year of health, happiness and creativity! Happy New Year!

Sue from Oregon said...

All so pretty and very different. I so love your use of your copic sprayer for backgrounds. Gorgeous blending of colors. My fave is December!!!

Susan said...

Wow, those are some amazing works of art! Happy New Year to you!!

Miriam Prantner said...

Beautiful work! Your coloring is amazing!