Wrapping up a week of looking back, I thought I'd share my favorite blog posts from this year:
January 7, 2011
Art Journal Every Day: Creating Space for Art Journaling Every Day
The title pretty much sums it up. Some ideas on how to be prepared to art journal every day.
It's one of my favorite posts because I think making literal space for art in your life is where all creativity begins.
March 2, 2011
On Confidence and Creating
In this post I share five tips on how I get motivated to create when I feel a bit intimidated by all the pretty art out there already.
It's one of my favorite posts because I had forgotten all about this post until I reviewed my blog to write the post you're reading right now. And you know, I read this post and it spoke to me. Reminded me who I am and what I'm capable of. I hope it reminds you of that too!
March 16, 2011
Prima Designer Day
This post is one I originally did for the Prima blog. It's a basic run down of where I live and create and all that good stuff! (That photo is the view from the end of my block.)
It's one of my favorite posts because while I share art that is personal on my blog, I don't usually share my personal life. I'm not a lifestyle blogger. This was a rare opportunity to just talk about my life and show off my neighborhood!
April 29, 2011
Art Journal Every Day: No More Blank Pages
Five short technique tutorials meant to get you past the intimidation of a blank white page in your journal.
It's one of my favorite posts because I use these techniques constantly. Virtually every page in my art journal begins here.
May 18, 2011
Colorful Garbage = ATCs
In this post I share how I made ATCs from some leftover fabric scraps.
It's one of my favorite posts because I adore making something out of nothing!
June 1, 2011
Super Quick Tutorial: Book Page Tape
As the title suggests, a super quick tutorial on creating tape made from book pages!
It's one of my favorite posts because it's such a simple idea. Simple and good.
June 28, 2011
Thursdays I'm at MoMA
This post is about the mixed media art class I took at MoMA where we worked on art after sketching in the galleries.
It's one of my favorite posts because this class meant a lot to me. In some ways I think it was a huge turning point for me. I'm not sure if I'm totally able to verbalize my feelings, because I think I'm still processing, but it opened my brain to art in a way that it hasn't been opened before.
July 5, 2011
Some Thoughts on Blogging
This post is one of my all time faves in the entire history of my blog. In it, I outline my tips for successful crafty blogging.
It's one of my favorite posts because it's advice from the heart.
August 16, 2011
I Fail More Often Than I Succeed
In this post I share the millions of times I've been rejected and some advice on dealing with rejection.
It's one of my favorite posts because we're all in this together. We've all had our art rejected in some way. It's healing to be reminded that it happens to everyone and it's just part of life. It doesn't change who you are or the value of what you create.
August 25, 2011
Forty-Eight Hours
For forty-eight hours I kept track of everything I did.
It's one of my favorite posts because it's like a virtual scrapbook! And a reminder to myself to stop working so much! I re-read that post and was re-reminded that I need to set some working hours for myself. It can't be all day, every day.
September 2, 2011
Art Journal Every Day: Museum to Journal
In this post I share how art at the Art Institute of Chicago inspired me in my art journal.
It's one of my favorite posts because it's sort of a continuation of the class I took at MoMA. How do you take inspiration from interesting established art and create something with it in your own style?
October 14, 2011
Art Journal Every Day: Doodling on Dark
This post includes a video and several examples of art journal pages with black backgrounds.
It's one of my favorite posts because starting with a black page is just fun. Don't believe me? Try it!
December 6, 2011
Art Adventures Abroad: East Side Gallery
This post contains a banquet of yummy photos of Berlin's East Side Gallery.
It's one of my favorite posts because it's a feast for the eyes. Lots to think about and look at!
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Some overall thoughts:
This is the first year that I blogged at least five-days-a-week for a complete year.
I'm really proud of myself for making the commitment to blogging and I want to thank you for being here and listening. Through your comments and e-mails you have changed my art, brightened my mood, encouraged me to keep innovating and experimenting, and generally been a great source of happiness every day. I hope that reading my blog has made you happy too!
Thanks for stopping by!
