Since we are about to start off a new year, I thought I would reflect on this year’s favorite posts.
When I first started reading other DIY blogs, I have to admit I was a bit intimidated. Every project they did looked so perfect. When there was a tutorial, a lot of them used terms or techniques I wasn’t familiar with, and so I would never try them.
I was searching for a blog that brought it down to a beginner’s level. I wanted one that would say “Hey, I’m no expert, but this is what did or didn’t work for me.” I didn’t just want to see perfect houses with their perfect lives. I wanted the “Hey, my husband’s been out of town, my house flooded, the kid is sick, and the house is a wreck … but here’s this easy project I completed in the middle of it all.” I wanted real life. I wanted someone to tell me that not every project they do turns out perfect, or that they had to do a technique 3 times before they got it right, and I wanted to learn from their experiences.
That is what I have been trying to do on my blog. Keep it real. It’s hard to believe that 6 months ago, I wasn’t even sure what a blog was, and now I amazed at how fast mine has grown. It was very scary for me to hit that Publish button for the first time sharing what I thought was my very boring life. For some strange reason, people kept showing up day after day. Each day the blog keeps growing, and I have been very blessed with your words of encouragement and friendship.
There are a lot of you that, even though I may never meet you in person, I now consider a friend. It is constantly so shocking to me that on any given day, there will be hundreds to thousands of you who stop in to check out what project I am working on, or just what is happening day to day in my life (or Google the term “unitard” to land here — that was fun to see).
I am so appreciative of you all.
This coming year I will continue to do my best at channeling my creativity and helping share my experiences with you. For the first time in my life, I am working a career I am passionate about and something that I really love to do. I really can’t thank everyone enough, whether you are a daily subscriber or just someone who pops in once a week. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy life to check out my crazy household and see what I’ve been working on.
I now have a job where I feel inspired everyday and am amazed at the craftiness all of you have also. As you all know, I am learning as I go, and if there is anything this coming year you would like to see in the blog please let me know.
On to the countdown:
7. Bookshelf with wallpaper lining
6. Ivory end table with wallpaper top
4. Turquoise chandelier makeover
1. Turquoise desk with stained top
Okay, okay, I know I said top 10, but I found eleven that I really wanted to feature. That is one of the added bonuses of running your own site. I’m the boss applesauce.
Have a safe New Year everyone!!
See you next year!!
Meredith Garrett says
All of these are so incredibly stunning – I can’t decide which is my favorite! Perhaps the nursery armoire or the chandy?? You are truly gifted.
Found you through Cowgirl Up!
Happy New Year,
Meredith
Shanna says
Thank you Meredith! Happy New Year!
Michelr says
Love your creativity! You’ve inspired me to tackle furniture I have in my house that’s been handed down by grandparents that I had no idea how to make it fit in in my home. Thanks for the inspiration!
Shanna says
It’s always so nice to have pieces in your home that make you think of someone special. Good luck!
Audra @ Renewed Projects says
You pick such fun and vibrant colors! What a great line-up of projects! (I have the Turquoise Desk with Stained Top featured on my page under Turquoise Love. Aiming for the same color for my craft table.)
Shanna says
Thanks Audra!
Marti says
What beautiful and creative projects! I would love for you to share them at SHOW-licious Craft Showcase!
http://sew-licious.blogspot.com/2012/12/show-licious-craft-showcase-14.html
Happy New Year!
Marti
Ivy says
Shanna yours is by far my favorite blog! I follow a lot of other DIY blogs and I just LOVE yours. I think it is because you have a little story with each piece and you always make me laugh. I am by no means a pro and up until I started following you I have never heard of chalk painting and wax but I just love the stuff you do. You have inspired me to try new things and I have introduced me to new techniques, I look forward to opening my inbox everyday. I was just talking with a co-worker today, telling him how much I adore your blog, and how even though we have never met I feel like we would totally be friends! Keep up the good work and cheers to a happy, healthy, and productive 2013.
Shanna says
Awwww Ivy, you just made my day. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to check in. I really appreciate it. I’m kind of struggling right now in which direction to take my blog. Some people come strictly for the project and want very little about my life and others come for the stories and the projects are a bonus. It’s hard to make everyone happy. I’m happy that you like it the way it is. I know that if we met we would totally be BFF’s. Every time you pin one of my pieces or share with someone about my blog it helps it grow. I love that! All of your comments always brighten my day. Happy New Year Ivy!
Cynthia says
Nice projects! My favorites are the desk and chandelier but all of them look great!
Peggy says
such great projects! you are very talented!
Shanna says
Thank you Peggy! Happy New Years!
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says
You’ve been a busy painting lady! I’m featuring it in the Spotlight this weekend.
Katherines Corner says
A wonderful look back. Happy New Year wishes and thank you for sharing at the hop. I hope you will stop by again soon. I posted the new giveaway! xo
Pam says
Great projects! I especially love that chandelier.
Visiting from Restyled Sundays. Great to see your projects!
Pam
Kathryn Griffin says
You sure were productive last year! I love the chandy. Thank you for sharing this at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Sherry says
Ooooh, very nice! You are very bold with color…I love it! I always want to be and then I get nervous and go with something “safe”…haha. Very nice projects. That chandy is gorgeous!!
Christie says
LOVE the chandi! Funny, how I just painted one almost exactly like that! Thanks for sharing your 2012 Best with me over at My Monday Muse, Carter’s Cottage!
Christie
Robin says
Love them ALL but I think if I had to pick a fav it would be your chandi- Gorgeous!!!
xo
Robin
Shanna says
Thanks so much Robin!
Crunchy Diva says
Great work – I LOVE the green dresser the most!
Shanna says
That one was definitely hard to let go of. Thanks for checking it out!
karen says
Congrats on all your fabulous projects through 2012! I love them all, but I am featuring the one you linked up, that gorgeous turquoise piece with the stained top. Thanks again! -K
Shannon Fox says
Gorgeous all! Have to say I am partial to 1 & 4. Might be the aqua 😉
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
What an awesome roundup of projects!
Melissa says
Great job with all your “redouxs”. You definitely have shown that you are not afraid of painting and reinventing furniture now! Love it!
Shanna says
Thanks Melissa! You have a great blog! Have you been blogging long?