Hello my dear blogging friends! Today I'm celebrating my NINE YEAR BLOGAVERSARY! Wowza! That means it's time for my annual end of the year wrap up post! Only a little bit of 2018 left! I look forward to writing this post each December, and sharing with you my favorite projects from the past year. CLICK HERE to read my wrap up from 2017! This year end post helps me finalize my year and reflect on my creative journey. I feel like I grow in new ways each year, both as a person and as an artist and blogger. Having my blog is a lot like having a diary or a journal and it's really cool to look back at almost a decade worth of cards and projects all in one place! I am so grateful to have this little place on the internet to share with the world and with you my creative supporters and friends. Thank you for being part of it all with me! It wouldn't be the same without the interaction from you, and all the friends I have made through the years. You bless me all the time with your kindness and love.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! And, Happy New Year 2019! Be sure to check back here on New Year's day because It's the Season's Givings Blog Hop day! All of the bloggers in the hop are giving away prizes! TONS and TONS of prizes! It is always really fun! You don't want to miss it, I promise! I look forward to that each year too! YAY! I have a cool, graphic new year card to share in the blog hop!
My word for 2018 was TRUTH. Here's what I wrote last December: "There is only one truth and it is solid, stable and unchanging. My identity is anchored to the truth of who I am to God. Lack of being anchored in the truth causes us to rise and fall with circumstances. The truth keeps us from drifting afloat. Gives us hope. The other facet of this is that I often don't want to SEE the truth as it is put before me. I want to always believe the best in people and situations, and that gets me hurt. Truth is a more realistic way of navigating this harsh world... So TRUTH has two meanings for me. I've already started using this in my journaling and planning for 2018." I feel that the word truth carried me through some difficult times this year. I learned a lot about myself, but the truth never changed...My faith is stronger and God always pulls me through as he did in 2018. My family is stronger and we are looking forward to new beginnings as the clock turns to 2019.
My word for 2018 is FOCUS. This word has a lot of meaning to me as a photographer! But as a person it means FOCUSING on what is important, what matters... I tend to get sidetracked easily from the things that are best for me. I get caught up in what other people need or want from me and I put myself to the side. I need to FOCUS on my goals, my dreams, the things that will be good and healthy for me. I also need to consistently FOCUS on the Lord and what He is doing with my life and fulfilling my purpose. This word feels right to me right now.
Do you choose focus words or resolutions for the new year? I'd love to hear! Leave me a comment about your hopes for the new year!
Something I love to do here on the blog at the end of the year, is to take a look back on my creative journey from the year before! This annual post is kind of like a cyber scrapbook! Thank you for joining along with me in 2018! We had some good times! This was my first year in nine years that I decided to not be on any design teams. I feel like I got back to my stamping roots so to speak and I really created from my heart this year. It felt good. I had some awesome opportunities to work with companies and people I love and admire. It was a good year creatively! This post is #1485 total! WOW! That's a lot of blog posts! LOL. I've enjoyed each one!
Six years ago, I started the tradition of recapping my favorite projects from the past year. I get so much nice feedback about this! Here are my favorites from 2018... There are a lot! So grab a cup of coffee or tea, and settle in! I hope you enjoy the look back with me!
To see more information about each project,
please click on the the individual photos!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
I appreciate all of you so much,
all of your love and kindness and support!
I wish you the very best year ever! Cheers to 2019!
WHOOP WHOOP I've just realised that your behind us here in the U.K. and with the time difference that means I'm still in with a chance of giveaway lol. Off to look at as many hops in the blog hop as time will allow me lol. Thankyou again all at A Blog called Wanda. Xxxx
Posted by: Andrea H | 01/05/2019 at 05:23 PM
I know I've missed the dead line for you blog hop prizes (I normally miss them so that's nothing new lol) but I just wanted to say a very big THANKYOU for all the fab priducts and inspiration you've all given me throughout 2018 and I'm looking forward to the same in 2019. Thankyou for being one of the best companies out there.
Wishing you all a very happy, healthy, wellness and productivity for 2019 and beyond.
Posted by: Andrea H | 01/05/2019 at 05:19 PM
Your versatility in card making is amazing! You have so much talent! Thanks for the look back! I so enjoyed it! Happy New Year to and congrats on your blogaversary!
Posted by: Nancy L. | 01/03/2019 at 04:42 PM
Happy 9th year! I've loved following your creativity over the last couple years I've been following! I don't do resolutions or anything, but this year my plan is to stay on top of things and not get behind on everything. This last year has consistently been playing catch up and rushing to get things done both personally and rofessionally, and I would like to take some time to breath and enjoy what I'm doing.
Posted by: Stacey Kowbel | 01/02/2019 at 03:57 PM
Oh my gosh, I love all of these projects! Thank you for sharing your creative spark and fabulous photography with the rest of us. I'm so excited to see what you make and post in 2019. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Kristi H. | 01/02/2019 at 11:36 AM
I love looking at your posts and reading your wise words. Your cards and thoughts are always inspirational. Thank you and Happy 2019!!
Posted by: Janetb | 01/01/2019 at 06:11 PM
Beautiful cards and photography Wanda! Happiest cardmaking New Year to you!
Posted by: Pam Sparks | 01/01/2019 at 11:21 AM
Bee Kind is such a delightful card! Pinned a few from 2018! Looking forward to 2019!
Posted by: Jan Metcalf | 01/01/2019 at 09:04 AM
Beautiful. Happy New Year
Posted by: Dorlene | 12/31/2018 at 08:58 PM
Wanda, Happy New Year! I just love all these cards! Your creativity with color and layout and your cards’ uniqueness are so inspirational. I enjoy your blog so much and look forward to what 2019 brings for you!
Posted by: Julie L | 12/31/2018 at 08:53 PM
Your the best.... Love the forever friends with the waffle flower set. That's my hope for us in 2019! Happy New Year to you and Mark.
Posted by: Anne Sturgeon | 12/31/2018 at 12:39 PM
Happy Blogaverary and Happy New Year. Love seeing all your fabulous creations.
Posted by: Holly Flores | 12/31/2018 at 11:14 AM
I look forward to seeing your beautiful cards everyday and hope you have a great New Year!
Posted by: Nancy Hassan | 12/31/2018 at 07:00 AM
Oh Wanda! I adore your cards... and even more, your gorgeous photographs! Of course, I'll choose your Leading Ladies as my favorites - but I might be a weee bit prejudiced! lol
Every single thing your heart touched in 2018 wowed the pants off of me, my friend! I'm no doubt going to be charmed in 2019, too... happiest New Year!!! xx
=]
Posted by: Michele | 12/31/2018 at 06:22 AM
Thank you for all the wonderful blog posts and creative artistry this year. Happy New Year.
Posted by: Linda S. | 12/31/2018 at 03:54 AM
Oh Wanda, your cards are always so beautifully done. Your Bear Hugs card has inspired me to make one similar for my grandson who will be 5 in 2 weeks...I always enjoy seeing your work although sometimes don't have time to comment:( .... However, I try to use that time to read the post!;)
This year has been a busy one and so I am committed to taking some time for myself (to be selfish) in 2019...Meaning to focus ON myself and make choices, like you, that are good for ME!
I wish you nothing but the very best for 2019 Wanda, you deserve it! (((HUGS)))
Posted by: Teresa Doyle | 12/31/2018 at 03:23 AM
So many wise words, Wanda! So many words I need to hear myself. Thank you for all the inspiration, not just this year, but in years past. Thank you for noticing me way back when when you did the SSS Spotlight post - I was thrilled. So all those "Thanks you's" right back at cha girlie!
I hope we get to meet one day over a great cup of coffee and maybe a photo lesson or two (she smiles). Until then, I wish you and Mark a very Happy New Year! And a sweet gentle squeeze for Lucky (the cutest kitty ever!)
Sincerely,
Susie ~
Posted by: Susie Lessard | 12/30/2018 at 08:39 PM
What a gorgeous array, Wanda! My favorites are your sweet woodland scene and the very last card! Thanks always for your inspiration - Happy New Year!
Posted by: Lin Brandyberry | 12/30/2018 at 06:31 PM