It’s been another interesting year of pandemic life. I’ve been working from home since before the pandemic, so that was an easy adjustment. But not being able to see family and friends is something I miss. In times like these, crafting and sending cards for any occasion or no occasion at all has had a bit of a revival. I know I enjoy getting snail mail that’s not advertising. This past year, I made cards for occasions I don’t generally craft for (e.g. Halloween), and I definitely want to continue to send more cards out in 2022.
2021 New Crafting Favorites
I’m grateful I had more time to craft this past year and I’ll continue to make time to craft in 2022. It’s been almost 2 years since I started LV Handcrafted on all the socials (e.g. my YouTube Channel). I love to learn and explore different papercrafts. So I’ve explored new crafting tools quite a bit this past year and I have a couple of new fav’s.
This year I really got into notebooks and different methods of binding. One of my favorite new toys is the WRMK Cinch, which I bought to make coloring books for my nieces. I’ve since used it for more projects and I’m so glad I have it in my craft room now because it’s really expanded the kinds of projects I can make. Plus, it’s such a nice, professional finish that’s also fast. I love this wire loop binding but I’ve also learned some new binding techniques that are old school! I’ve learned a couple methods of stitch binding — like how books were originally made. So much fun! I definitely want to continue on my stitch binding journey this coming year.
I don’t think my craft room will ever be “complete”, but getting the Spellbinders Glimmer machine has definitely filled a great big hole. 🙂 I used to foil using a laminator and transfer foil — and I still do. But the Glimmer machine is just so amazing and opens up a whole new world of crafting… new product lines, techniques, etc. Plus, a bit of glimmer is an easy way to “fancy up” any card. 🙂 These days I almost always ask myself, “how can I Glimmer up this card?”. I don’t always use it but I’m finding it well worth the extra bit of time to add a foiled element to my cards. I might just need to create a little stash of foil sentiments to always have on hand.
Design “Work”
The big news for me in 2021 is that I’ve joined some Design Teams! This has been an aspiration for me since I started sharing my crafty makes. There are so many amazing companies and brands and I’m grateful and honored to be able to craft with and create inspiration for some of my favorites.
If you watch my haul videos, you probably know I like to shop clearance sales, mystery bundles, etc. 🙂 I am always looking to get the most bang for my buck even if the products are older releases. Being on a design team means I get to craft with the latest and greatest products from some of my favorite craft companies, so I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I treat my design projects like my work deadlines, but this is definitely the kind of “work” that feels more like play and I love it!
Crafting is a hobby (not a job) for me, but if I was able to make a living crafting, I would gladly quit my day job. LOL.
A Final Note…
Before looking ahead to 2022, I want to take a moment to thank you for your support this past year. It means so much to me to have your encouragement, kind words and constructive feedback. I appreciate everyone who has watched my videos, read my blog and shopped my links. All of it helps me grow as a crafter. Thank you especially for shopping my links. I don’t earn much, but it helps offset some of my costs… and buy more crafty goodies. 🙂 Wishing you the very best for 2022! I’ll continue to share more crafty goodness in 2022. I hope you continue on this crafty journey with me!
Thanks for your ideas! Looking forward to watching In 2022
Thanks so much, Mary! May 2022 bring you all the very best!