Post Number 500

About a week ago I realized that my post on Thanksgiving would be the 500th post on my blog.  This seems like a milestone event, so I'd like to take a look back at the last couple of years.  I have a lot to be thankful for.  I will be having another "blog celebration" with some gifts very soon - I want to wait until after the holiday weekend.

I got my first Cricut (an Expression) just about two years ago.  I immediately started collecting cartridges.  The Design Studio software was a Christmas gift from my husband in 2007 (well, he did have a little "help"!) and I opened it up and installed it in late January.  I quickly found out that I really enjoyed using the software and started creating my own designs.  I started this blog in February, 2008 as a way to share my designs with fellow Cricut users.

The Design Studio software was gradually improved and I figured out how to make more complicated designs.  Updates added features which greatly expanded the creative potential of the program .  The up and down nudge arrows made it possible to create "adjustable" designs (not quite grouping but an improvement).  Welding inside an existing frame or silhouetted shape made more interesting designs possible. The "Hide Selected Contour" option was added - one of my favorite and most used design tools.

I found that I enjoyed writing about my creative process and helping other people to learn how to use the software to accomplish their design goals.  I started to post some items about other types of projects and occasionally about personal and family events as well but I remained primarily focused on Cricut and the Design Studio.   Last January I made a resolution to post on my blog every day in 2009 and I am on track to complete this resolution (I haven't missed a day yet this year!).  I have been honored to be asked by Provo Craft to preview/review cartridges, to have some of my creations featured in the "Chirp" newsletter and to be on several Design Teams.  The Gypsy was a recent addition to my crafting toolbox and I have been exploring the possibilities it adds to help me achieve new types of designs.

There are so many wonderful people that I have met through my blog, the Cricut message board and the online classes I have taught.  Most of you are "virtual" friends, but I have had a chance to meet a few of you in person.  As the year draws to a close I have been thinking about what to do next and I have some exciting plans for the new year.  I hope some of you will join me - watch for more details coming soon.

There have been many challenges along the way and I am sure there will be more to come.  I have learned so much about computers, the internet and new techniques. It all fascinates me and I have had some trouble maintaining balance between my crafting obsessions and "real" life however, in the end,  "It's all good!" - as  the framed  piece above says!

Thanks to all of you who subscribe and follow my blog.  It is quite a responsibility to realize that there are so many people looking for their daily email from me - it helps to keep me committed and busy creating.

I hope you had a great day - I will be back with a "normal" post tomorrow!