favorite projects of 2011

Looking forward to 2012, I’ve already slated out a few sewing projects that I hope to complete (assuming that I find a decent second hand sewing machine).  I’d also like to force myself to finish up a few projects I quietly abandoned in 2011.   And with the happy addition of a Cameo to my suite of crafting tools (can still hardly believe it!) I’m only beginning to imagine the range of paper craft possibilities on the horizon.

So, in this quiet week prior to the start of the new year, I’d like to thank you for your encouragement in the past 12 months:  clicking in, leaving a comment, pinning an image, posting to facebook or subscribing to the blog.  Reading blogs is a wonderful source of inspiration that fuels my own creative energy and writing this blog is my reward.  Thank you for your company here, it makes my journey unbelievably delightful!

And now, a look back at just a few home sweet homemade accomplishments in 2011.

1.  the antique door collage.  my absolute favorite creation in true home sweet homemade style.  The combination of papers framed in this old door lifts my spirits.

2. the beaded abacus.  because of our mutual love of numbers, both Cristy and I adore this artful interpretation of the ancient adding machine.

3. the dining room dresser. oh yes, it’s pink, but a blast of color in the dining room was just what the doctor ordered.

4. the zinnia cutting garden.  my very first foray into growing annuals from seeds.  The cheerful blooms all summer long made the yard and the house so happy.

5. seashell wind chimes.  although our home is filled with treasures from the ocean, mostly fragments, my love for these natural beauties never fades.

6. the map table.  originally a much-lamented craigslist purchase, inspiration from the blogging universe intervened to make this an unforgettable redo.

7. paper tassels.  Most of my creative endeavors involved paper this year and after seeing an example of a paper tassel in one of the merchant booths at Round Top, I knew a version of my own imagination would soon be part of the home sweet homemade repertoire.

8. paper beads.  I don’t sell the things I make.  Consequently, after spending a few months making paper beads, I had a couple of gallons of them.  They adorned garlands, embellished tabletops, filled vases and graced one of my Christmas trees.

9. collage stripe paper shapes.  I made literally dozens of these pretty trinkets in 2011 and my Christmas trees were full of them.  Hearts, angelfish, chubby stars, cowboy boots and oak leaves.  Hand cut all the pieces with scissors.  However, that will change in 2012 with the gorgeous Cameo now sitting in my craft room.  I’ll be making paper teacups, keys and all sorts of shapes I previously could not produce with scissors.

10. bedroom linen cabinet.  The well worn hand-me-down secretary that had traveled to Costa Rica and back desperately needed a fresh purpose and a facelift to soften its chipped veneer and surface scars.  Wood filler, paint and new knobs worked their magic and we are charmed with our new linen cabinet.

11. paper weaving.  The second generation of the paper stripe shapes, and a big step forward in my imaginative thinking process.  This triptych love note to Cristy is among my favorite projects.

12. photo mosaic.  As an anniversary gift, I arranged photographed images as tiles on a canvas to create a truly unique collage, mosaic style.  With an infinite range of possibilities, creating another is a definite must.

13. inexpensive (and pet friendly) window treatments.  Our dining room enjoyed the most attention in 2011, most recently, a change to the window coverings.  The new look is so much softer and prettier.  I predict that window coverings will be appearing more on this blog in 2012.

14. modern art mobile.  While this piece is not in the permanent collection of home furnishings, it made a brief appearance in 2011 to fill an empty corner and did just that with panache and eye-catching style.

15. driftwood and hex nuts.  The weathered texture of driftwood and the pleasing geometry of the standard hardware store hex nut combine to make this outdoor artful hanging one of my 2011 favorites.

16.  updated lamp.  I subscribe wholeheartedly to the belief that the best decorative accessories are already in your home.  This once sad, dated lamp is an impressive example of the power of paint and a new lampshade.  Classic!

17. Make it Merry.  After I started participating in linky parties in 2011, I quickly recognized the vital importance of forging connections with other bloggers and wondered how to do that in a collaborative format.  This is the project that evolved, featuring 14 fabulous bloggers over a 2-week span.  I’d love to try it again in 2012 with improvements, more participants and fresh, craft-party themes.  Blog-collaboration rocks!

While there are others not included here, projects that I love just as much as the creations on this list, 17 seems like a good stopping place.  Or starting place, depending on your point of view.

May the collective creative energy of 2012 shine into our crafty nooks and the supportive love of the bloggy community encourage us to reach into our imaginations in new ways.

Thank you, as always, for your company.  I appreciate you so much!

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sharing with

The Inspiration Board at homework

Nifty Thrifty Sunday at Nifty Thrifty Things

SNS at Funky Junk Interiors

Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring

Potpourri Friday at 2805

{Re}create into Something New at Not So Simple Housewife

Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage

Primp your stuff at {Primp}