Saying Goodbye to 2017

Happy New Year!

New Years is always a time for reflections and setting goals for the coming year.  We had another wonderful full year.   I was recently looking at photos from Christmas 2016.  I can't get over how much Ryan has changed.  My baby has grown into a little boy.  He loved unwrapping presents....everyone's presents.  Why discriminate, right? 

In stamping class, we have had many new additions to our classes.  I'm always getting to know new people.  I think stamping people are the best people! We added a few more classes to our monthly rotation.  I think the most popular class this year was Scenic stamping class.  I plan to create a new class using this style of stamps soon.   We also had fun in the 10 cards-Pumpkin/Sunflower class.  I'm so proud of everyone who took on this challenge.   This was a hard class, but you made it through! 

I'm so proud of my copic students.  They continue to grow and learn.  As a result, I think I'm going change how our class format.  I think we are going to try a more project-based classes for advanced students.  This way we can apply several techniques (and practice what we've learned) to make more complicated projects.  We have our first class this month.  I'm excited to see how everyone does with it.

On a more personal note,  I'm really proud to report that I've continue with my scrapbooking project.  I've made at least one scrapbook page a month this year.  Ryan (my son) is great inspiration.  He grows so quickly.  I love flipping through my completed pages to see how he has changed.  I know as time passes these scrapbooks will become even more precious.  I'm hoping that I'll be able to keep up with him. 

Lastly,  I wanted to pick out some of my favorite projects of 2017.   They are in no particular order.

Saying Goodbye 2016

Happy New Year!!

I'm sorry I've been a missing.  I've been taking advantage of having my husband at home.  It has been nice to have some family time.   We have been tackled a few items on the "to do" list.    I promise to get back on a schedule soon.   I promise to share baby photos soon.

It is a New Year's day tradition to reflect on previous year and set some goals for the New Year.  Last year was the start of a new adventure.   On a personal note, my son was born in April and life has never been the same (in a good way).  Having a front seat watching him grow and learn has been a real privilege.  In my stamping life,  I tried my hand at watercoloring.  I really enjoy it.  They will never replace my copics, but enjoy trying new things.

I did have to cut back on some classes and coloring to make time for my new responsibilities.  It is always hard to let go something you love.  With some adjustments,  I'm really proud that I was able to keep the Card Lover's class and Copic Club still going.  It brings me great joy to see such wonderful people each month.  I'm so proud of your accomplishments.  It is wonderful to see you grow creatively.

On another positive note, I made progress on a personal project.  Since 2014, I've been trying to get back into scrapbooking.   In 2014 and 2015, I made zero scrapbook pages.  In 2016, I made 8 scrapbook layouts.  It isn't a huge number, but it is a start.  I hope to keep this going in the new year!

In 2017,  I hope to make a few more Copic technique DVDs.   I've had a lot of positive feedback.  I hear it is helpful to watch coloring step-by-step.  I'm so glad to hear it!  The downside is they take an enormous amount of time to make.  My goal is to make at least 2 DVDs this year.  What techniques would you like to see?

Lastly,  I wanted to take a look at my favorite projects from the year (no specific order).

Saying Goodbye to 2015

Happy New Year!!!

It is the time of year where we reflect on the past and set goals for the next year.   I'm so proud of my stamping family.  You all continue to grow.  I'm so proud of your accomplishments.   I can't wait to see what the next year brings!  

This year is going to be filled with change and excitement.  Connor and I are expecting a baby boy in April.   We are excited to welcome this little man into our family!   I plan on taking a creative break after he is born, but I will to be back coloring and creating shortly after.   I'm even planning ahead...you will have some things to work on while I'm recovering.  So have no fear...you won't be rid of me that easily :)!!!

It has been a New Year's tradition on the blog to take a look back and share my favorite projects of 2015.  

This first one has special meaning.  We lost a member of our stamping family this year.  I made this in remembrance of her.   We miss her everyday...

I'm looking forward to another creative year with you all!   

Happy New Year! 

Chris

Saying Goodbye to 2014

Happy New Year!

It is hard to believe that we 2014 has come to an end.  On New Year's Day it is tradition to look back at our accomplishments and set goals for the next year.  We had another year full of stamping.  I'm so proud of all my students.   I love seeing your projects and skills grow.  It is a blessing to be a part of your creative journey.   I'm looking forward to another exciting year of stamping and learning. I've already scouted out a few classes I hope to attend.  I also hope to make another mini-copic class to help students refine copic skills.

In 2015,  I hope to spend a little more time on some of my personal projects.   My resolution is make one scrapbook page a month.  Are there any other scrappers out there?   I love to scrapbook, but I have been so focused on cards that I haven't made the time to preserve memories.   This is doable right?  At the moment, it seems a little overwhelming. Where do I start?  There are mounds of pictures to choose from.  AAAHHHhhh.... I might need some therapy.

While I create a plan... enjoy a look back on my favorite cards of 2014 (no special order)

Reflection of 2013

Happy New Year!

New Year's Day is a great day to reflect on the previous year, to admire your accomplishments and to set new goals for the coming year.    In the last year, it has been my privilege to see our stamping family grow.   Each month I go on a tour of New York State traveling from Corning to Brockport to Dansville and sometimes out to Canandaigua.   This year, I hope to add Ithica to the list.   I look forward to seeing friendly faces and hearing the latest happenings in your lives.     I'm also blessed with a few long-distance friends.  I have never seen your faces, but our love of stamping has brought us together.    The wonders of the internet have made all of this possible.  

I've also grown a lot as an artist.  Attending the Copic workshop in Canada this year, pushed me to try new things.  I enjoyed collaborating with other artists and the friendships created through coloring.   I hope to continue trying new techniques and challenging myself (and you too).    Below are my six favorite projects of 2013.   They are in no special order. What are your favorites from this year?

faux glass look

creating texture with copics

blending across family groups

Creating texture with copics

Copic Hair

I'm looking forward to another year filled with stamping!   

Happy New Year

Chris

Lazy Days of Summer

Hello all,

I'm sorry I have been a little absent lately.  I have been going through a rough patch with sleeping. Despite my best efforts, I haven't been able to fall asleep at night.  I'm often lay awake past 4am. As you can imagine, I'm not worth much the next day. It has just taken me a little bit longer to conquer my 'to do' list.   I have an apt with the doctor this week.  Hopefully together we can attack this issue and get back to normal.   So thanks for your patience.

My goal this week is to catch up on some blog posts.  If you have questions, please email me. I'll do my best to get you what you need.

 Alright...moving on to sunnier topics.  I have an awesome card to share with you today.  It is one of my favorites... and in my top 10 for this year so far.  It is perfect way to announce the theme for the month.   Upon request, we will be resuming card challenges.  This month's theme is "The Beach".   If you are new to challenges...here are how they work.    There is no obligation to participate.   It is just a fun way to see what ideas people come up with.  At the end of the month, I'll post photos of all the card YOU make.  There is no winner or prize.

To kick off the challenge... here is my Beach Card...

Copics used:
Skin: E00, E000, E11, E13, E21
Hair: E30,Y21, E31
Sand: E50, E51, E53, E55, E31, E33
Blue Greens: BG10, BG11, BG23
Red Violets: RV02, RV04, RV06
Water: B21, B23, B34, B45,
Sky: BG10, BG11

I dyed the glass embellishment with copic ink.  I love how they turned out.  I can see that I'll be doing a lot more of this.

My Picks for 2012

Starting a New year is a great time to for reflection.  2012 for me was a great year.  Purple Lake Stamps Family has grown a lot in the last year.  I'm so proud of my stampers. I love to see how they grow each class.  I'm excited to see what we create together in 2013.


These are my favorite projects from 2012...

I'm looking forward to another year full of creativity and friendship! 

 Happy New Year!

Chris