My life is to make everything around me beautiful.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

2009 My Year in Review

A fellow blogger is having a year in review so I thought I'd join in and review things I've done this year. Here is Cindy's link so join in and view all the others participating also.
~*~

I have to warn you this is "photograph and eye candy" heavy, chicks. Sorry! I don't do this many very often at all, but it is a "celebration" of what my year was like. I focus on the positive and not the unsavory aspects here. Let's celebrate!

This year we finally got the whole house painted pink. This is the laundry room after I made these little wood letters for the wall behind my washer and dryer. For those of you who don't believe laundry can be beautiful, I say "au contraire, mes amis"! Click here to see the entire laundry room after I froufrou-ed it up.

This is just one of the old suitcases I decoupaged with fabric and store things in. This one is above my living room on my plant shelf.

Just one of the many birdhouses I made this year for friends, myself and Love Bunny's pop-up camper. The pop-up camper and camping is a whole other story, but I declared in the beginning of this post that I should not dwell on any negative aspects. I'll not go there. ;-)

I spent WEEKS on a challenge from my eBay group to have a white, pink and roses Christmas tree this year. I was going to do it through out 2010 to have it for next year but when I'm on a roll, watch out! I did MORE than enough to do it this year.

As you can certainly tell by now I love pink, lace, netting, roses and froufrou things. This is a dress form I whipped up in a day or two for this little "topiary" for the other plant shelf in my home because I was tired of the old gate I had up there. Always changing, always changing, chicks.

Closer view taken inside.

Taken outside.

It sits atop this "topiary" for lack of a better description. Some one called it a "Remembrance Tree" because it is compiled of things my sweet friends on my eBay group spoil me with all year long. I love them all dearly.

Two tree toppers I made this year for the tree. I made another one with silk roses that will be a giveaway soon, so I'd keep watching if I were you. ;-) I have giveaways on a regular basis and they are never, ever disappointing. I do it because it gives me joy to gift someone with one of my handmade items. These two I am keeping though.


Who says old cans don't have a place after the contents are gone? Not ME!

Okay, I have a shoe fetish. I love shoes, but since I'm almost 70 years old I can't wear high heels much anymore. This pair of shoes I bought at Macy's when we lived in California—my absolutely most favorite store in San Francisco, near where we lived. I couldn't part with them and they were worn out after 25 years so I memorialized them with this froufrou-up. They now are on my family room faux fireplace mantel for me to see all the time. They were red, but now one is white and one is pinkkkKKK!


This is just a little project I started (Have I mentioned I have an addictive personality?!?!) for fun and it has kind of gotten out of hand. These little scrunched flowers are so easy and fun to make I just sit around sometimes making them to give to friends. Easy peasy, fast and inked on card stock. I did a tutorial somewhere in the last month on these on my blog.

A wreath I made for my front door. The door is red but next summer it will get a new coat of the brightest red I can find—candy apple red.


Just a photo I took of some of my crystal ware during an event hosted by another blogger. I can't remember what exactly it was. I am an old lady, ya know. ;-) But this would fall under the category of perfecting my photography skills. I do this on a DAILY basis!!! When I do something I'd truly like to do it to the very best of my ability. I fail, of course, but I keep trying. Photography is one of the things I love doing—that and using my PhotoShop to edit the photos. I'm truly a computer geekette.

During that same event I showed my favorite plates I got on eBay many years ago. They are covered with 14K gold and it was very hard to get a photo of them but I tried honing my photography skills and got this good one. I was thrilled! It is truly one of the most gorgeous plates you'll ever see. I got 4 of them and we eat off of them on very special occasions.

Another one of my giveaways. I loved these little wood letters with fabric decoupaged on them and would have loved to kept them, but I just had to share with others who don't have the ability to do this.

I made these little letters from papier machè and papers. They are darling but I prefer working with fabrics more. The little fireplace screen is something Love Bunny made for me to put in front of the mantel. I covered it with barkcloth and decals. I was well pleased with the way it turned out even if LB swears he'll never do another one with all the modifications I made to this one. We KNOW who will win this battle, don't we?!

Then I decided I needed to make some "cuffs" that were all the rage earlier in the year. I kept most of them and display them around the house, but I did gift a few to some young girls in my church and friends in my eBay group and then did a giveaway for one. I absolutely love making them and they are quick and easy. A great gift if you want to make them. I personalize them for the person to whom will receive each one. This one is mine to keep forever.

We finally got the whole house painted pink—well, except for hubby's office, which he threatened me with bodily harm if I touched it with pink. It's a bright minty green and he loves it much better than the stock paint in new homes—beige. But this wall is dedicated to Susan Rios, my favorite artist in the whole world. I found her in the Premier edition of Victoria back in the 80s. I've even corresponded with her and she is a true sweetheart. All the art on this wall is hers except for the painting of the woman, which I found at Goodwill for a few bucks. It reminded me of Susan's self-portrait in her book and it has roses on the hat. A bit of serendipity. :-)

I wanted to try and make the most spectacular apron I could. This is what I came up with this summer. I'll never sell it or give it away. I can't find some of these fabrics anymore. It has 11 different fabrics in it.

I'm a rose-painter-wanna-be. This is about the best I can do. I've practiced and practiced for about 3 years now off-and-on. If I didn't try, I'd be disappointed in myself. I'll never be perfect but I can at least satisfy myself and that's what it's all about. I want to do as much as I can before I leave this earth. This was my highest priority goal outside of being more spiritual and a woman of faith.

Okay, you're heard the saga of my "old feet" in the beginning of this blog post. BUT I wanted to try and wear high heels to church a few times just to feel feminine. I didn't get very high ones but I did get 2 pairs I could make look different with detachable clip-on bows. I remember back in the 50s and 60s wearing clip-on bows but couldn't find them anywhere. Sooooo I decided to make my own. I now have several pairs of bows to put on my high heels or even flats. Looks like I have scads of shoes but truly I only have about 15 pair. That's scaled down dramatically from when I was working in California! I just don't need many shoes anymore.


Birdhouses are another thing I love to make. It relaxes me. This one was for a very special friend. I'd rather make these than anything else other than aprons or just about anything with roses on it.

This is the aforementioned Christmas tree this year. It's packed away now but it'll be pretty much the same next year. Yards and yards of tulle netting. If you want to see it with all the photographs of all the things I put on there, look to the right on my sidebar and there is a clickable logo to go view it.

And this is me! I did what I consider an very "intimate" post about me and my views on women. It is entitled The Sum of All My Parts and can be viewed here if you have an interest. I think you'll enjoy it.

So that's my entry for My Year in Review for 2009. I hope you find it interesting. I also do Random Thoughts from time to time on my blog, but I doubt you'll ever be bored, sweet chicks. I'm just an old lady from California living in Idaho with the man I married almost 49 years ago. Drop by from time to time and visit. I love meeting new people.
~*~


30 comments:

  1. You are not OLD!
    Loved the ribbon tutorial. Great year in review pics too!
    Have a Happy New Year!

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  2. Connie,
    What a wonderful year in review! I can get a sense of who you are and your fabulous love for all things pink and girly! How excellent! Please consider posting some of your beautiful roses on my Art Work Friday! And I love your beautiful apron!
    Dee Dee

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  3. Wow, Connie, what a great post full of eye candy and fun!
    You sure had a busy year; as my daughter Anne said, who was reading over my shoulder: "That lady has mad skills!"
    And that is a good thing.

    Happy New year from That Old House in New Jersey!
    Cass

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  4. Connie,
    WOW!! What a wonderful post. I am in PINK Aww!! I love my new name by the way so I am now giving you a new title being that I am the queen you are now crowned the Queen of Pink FrouFrou. Love your romantic home it is so beautiful. I wish I could see it in person.
    You are such a beautiful and special gal. Have a wonderful and safe New Year! Hugs across the miles, Bobbi Jo

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  5. Happy New year Connie...Love all the eye candy...:)

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  6. Hi, Connie,
    I enjoyed a review of all your very creative projects!! Just wonderful and thank you for sharing!! Happy, happy New Year, my sweet friend! Vicki

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  7. Wow Connie! You certainly peaked my interest on many things that I need to come back and look at your tutorials! The plate is ab-so-lutely gorgeous!!! I have a big weakness for plates!!
    Have a very Happy New Year!!
    Ulrike

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  8. Hi Sweet Sister!! Love your year in review. 'Course you didn't say what a sweetheart you are, always helping others, being there when and wherever you are needed!!

    You do make me tired with all you do!! Love that lil dressform! The shoes are magnificent and Mum is still loving her wristlet. Pretty pretty tree toppers.

    Thanks for the bow tutorial ~ I never knew to cut the V's in it!!

    Have lots more of your posts to catch up on soon....

    Love you,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  9. I...I...I'm speechless. You have made some incredibly LOVELY things this year. You have inspired me.
    PS How did you talk LB into letting you paint the whole place pink??? You are one lucky lady!
    Happy New Year!
    rosie

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  10. WOW! I don't know where to begin! Believe me you don't look like you are almost 70 years old. I thought I really liked a photo until I scrolled down to the next one and then the next one...the creativity just kept coming. I want a birdhouse...how can I buy one? Your letters are so adorable and the plates are to die for. Keep the pinkness and the loveliness coming in the new year.
    Loretta

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  11. Connie, I am thoroughly enjoying this post, have to go back and read more. I love love your laundry room. You have inspired me to do mine over, but in aquas. And your suitcase makeover is beautiful to say the least.
    I'm glad to know you as a fellow blogger.

    Linda
    Robin's Egg Blues

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  12. oh huneybun! you are one creative lady and I love coming here reading your daily post and craft projects.. thanks also for the tutorials you did on some of the projects.. you are totally a pink girl at heart!..

    Happy New Year Dear and many many happy returns

    xo
    fitty

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  13. Hello Connie; Great post,, such beautiful photos of your home..
    Wishing you and your LB a Happy New Year!

    Hugs;
    Alaura

    PS. you are not and Old Lady....such a pretty face too

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  14. Wow, Look how busy you were this year !!! I cant keep up, lol ! I am going to cover my suitcase RIGHT NOW with that beautiful fabric you sent me :) I just LOVE that ! I am mailing you your LATE Christmas gift this weekend. I guess late is better than not at all right ? lol !! :) Anyhoo, keep an eye out for it :) It is just a little sumpthin', no biggie. Happy New Year !!! Hugs and kisses xoxox :):):)

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  15. Hi Connie
    everything is so gorgeous and lovely here..i love all your pinky stuffs and your 2009 review is so wonderful. Happy new year, may 2010 bring us more joy, peace and happiness
    Regards
    Ita

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  16. Connie, I thought I would be asleep before ringing in the New Year, but your post was so beautiful, it kept me wanting to see more. What a wonderful idea--your year in review.
    My resolution is to give my all and be positive about everything. I have so much to be thankful for, as Jesus has helped me see the errs of 2009. Thanks for being such a positive inspiration for me. You are truly a "Sweet Chick". Best Wishes and Many Blessings for 2010---it's going to be a fabulous year. Pat

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  17. It was fun reading your review and remembering all the wonderful blogs you did!!

    Looking forward to many more luscious
    pink photos for us in 2010!

    It's been a blessing knowing you this year Connie!

    mary

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  18. Thank you for all the eye candy, Connie. You are one talented chick. Those shoes are darling. Happy New Year and thank you for your kind words to me yesterday. Kathi

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  19. Ohh I'm lovin' your gorgeous rose suitcase and those wonderful red shoes! 2010 has officially arrived and it's going to be a grand one! Happy New Year--all year long!

    Cathy ♥

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  20. I loved your year in review. What a busy lady you were.
    I hope you have a happy, safe and Blessed New Year.
    Judy

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  21. Happy New Year, Dear Connieness! Oh, how I've enjoyed looking back at your year. You are the most creative and pinkest one I know! Love all you do. I wish you the most blessings in 2010. We're home for a couple days and then we're off again! Love ya, Dear One,
    Shelia ;)

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  22. Happy New Year, Connie! I love your year in review and marvel at your creativity! Blessings to you and your family for 2010!

    xoxo
    Claudia

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  23. Such a pretty pink year! Happy New Year!
    rene'

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  24. Fun frilly post. Nice recap of the year.

    Best Wishes for the New Year.

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  25. Loved your year in review, Connie! You have some wonderful pinkness in those shots, dearest! I want to know how you did that suitcase. I'm loving that! I've worked on suitcases with a group who dress them up for foster kids, and I think yours is one of the prettiest I've seen. Is that wallpaper or fabric? Whatever, it's gorgeous!

    Love your snazzy shoes, your pretty china, your fun letters, and your even funner tree! Is that a word? If not, you get my drift. Loving the pink, chica!

    Love to you and all good wishes for a Happy 2010!

    xo,

    Sheila :-)

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  26. Happy New Year my 'pinkie' friend! What a fab review ... could never not be 'tickled pink' with my visiting you, sweet lady.

    Looking forward to another wonderful year with you ...

    Hugs, TTFN ~ Marydon

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  27. I've been visiting your blog for several months now and truly enjoy joining in your daily happenings.
    Your post today has a couple of things that caught my attention. First is your laundry room . . . pink, huh ? ? ? ?
    Maybe I couple do that. It is a little drastic for me but it is downstairs and off the den. I'll keep you up-to-date on this.
    Second, Wednesday I turned 70 ! ! !

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  28. Happy New Year Connie.
    I enjoyed your year in review and certainly enjoyed reading your blog throughout 2009.
    Hope 2010 has plenty of frou frou for you.
    Hugs ~ Kerryanne

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  29. It was great to see your year in review. Being The Tablescaper, I'm particularly fond of those plates! Don't save them for special days. They're just plates and meant to be used and adored daily.

    - The Tablescaper

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  30. Old? HA! Gorgeous? Definitely!
    Love your year i review...and what a wonderous lady you are!
    Love,
    Sue

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Comments are so nice and I thank all of you that leave one for me.