Wow what a year right?! In my personal life, it’s been a whirlwind. In card making, it’s been a whirl wind lol.
In saying good bye to 2020, I wanted to share some top projects with you. My first picture is my Top 9 most liked posts from Instagram.
You’ll notice a lot of them are video clips. Everyone seems to really enjoy them and quite honestly so do I.
My next few collages, are ones I put together from popular card pictures on my Instagram account. Now keep in mind, Instagram is finicky. I don’t always hit its algorithm. This is totally out of my control unfortunately. Instagram shows you what it thinks you want to see. Either way, here are some top cards from the year.
I have had the privilege to work with some amazing companies this year. Some of them as a design team member, video team member, guest designer or because they graciously sent me product to play with.
One thing about these companies is they are so generous and truly amazing people. I have gotten to know them through the course of the year(s) and I love playing with their products and helping promote their products.
I have one other thing I want to touch on in this post. This part could get long just so you are warned lol.
There has been some talk about design teams lately on Youtube. Artists voicing their opinion and take on the subject. And that’s exactly what it is. Their experience. It’s not the same for everyone.
If you follow me, you know I’m always posting cards (hopefully you don’t get sick of me lol) …
Here’s some behind the scenes from me. I became a stay-at-home for my autistic son about 9 years ago. That meant I left the “real world”. I didn’t have an outside job anymore. I lost a lot of bonds with coworkers. My friendships outside of work were strained because of the need to be home to give my son the full time attention and care he needed. I became a hermit lol.
I started working from home with my own business making paper piecings for scrapbookers to still contribute to the family. I still do it but just not as much.
I re-entered card making about 4 years ago and loved playing with all the different products. It filled the artistic hole I had in my life.
I found community and friendships.
When I first wanted to try Youtube videos, I remember card maker telling me don’t do it. It’s too much work. I’m so glad I didn’t listen. Yes, videos are a lot of work but I still enjoyed the process.
Videos led me to new companies. It led me to paid design team work. Yes, you can get paid for being on video and/or design teams.
When I first realized you could get paid, my mind was blown. I loved creating cards and projects but to get paid for it was like a bonus!
Not all teams pay a monetary amount. Some will send you the products. For some people, that is fine. Others are looking for more. That is up to YOU to decide. Some companies are just trying to get by and support their family as well.
This year has been hard on everyone including the stamp companies. They are trying to please everyone by coming out with a variety of products they think you’ll enjoy, trying to ship with little to no staff due to social distancing and just honestly get through this year.
When a company emails me if they can send me products to play with, I graciously accept (time permitting) because I want to help THEM. I want them to still be here next year.
I have struggling lately with the bad light that’s been shining on design teams as of late. Design teams for me are a community. The work I do for some companies fills that void of not being able to have an outside-of-the-house job.
I feel useful again.
I am able to contribute more to the household. Buy school supplies, yearbooks, Christmas/Birthday presents, groceries ect. To feel like I truly earned my own money is a wonderful feeling.
Yes, I probably put in way more hours now then when I worked outside of the house but I’m HOME. I’m always here for my kids.
Designs teams are NOT a bad thing. The companies that I have the pleasure in working with are truly beautiful people inside and out and treat everyone fairly. They have been so patient when I had to try and do virtual school this year for my son which was a huge struggle for both of us.
Sorry, that got a little long but it’s been on my mind. There is a ton more I’d like to say but this was the bulk of it.
I’ve been contemplating a blog post series about how to get on a design team, how to film, edit and take pictures so if that is something you are interested in please let me know and I will share whatever I can with you.
I want to THANK YOU for sticking with this post so far.
I hope you find my projects inspiring.
I also want to THANK YOU for following along with me this year and using my affiliate links. You don’t know how much that means to me and the companies that you are purchasing from.
I wish you all a safe and healthy new year!
Yes! Thank you for posting this, Mindy! This is my truth too. Happy New Year!
Thanks so much Maria! Many hugs my friend! Can’t wait til we can hang out again!
Feliz Ano Nuevo, Mindy! I hope that you and your family have a beautiful and blessed new year! Girl, keep rocking what works for you. I appreciate the tips that you share and show us. Remember my skinny thanks sentiment that I used your tip to add dimension with layers? We listen. Some people may be burned out or negative about design teams (I, too, have heard it), but we each run our own race. It may just be their time to go in a different direction or pandemic stress has caused them to sour, but we are not called to all travel the same road. You found your nitch, it works for you and your family, you are awesome at it, your Instagram likes prove it, so rock it! Run your race and keep doing your thing. Don’t look to the left or to the right, but continue focused on YOUR PRIZE. Your fan based hasn’t changed, Mindy. We’re still here and we love what you bring to our lives. Granted, my skinny thanks radish/apples card wasn’t the best and won’t get me any design team offers, but I was proud that I finished it despite not feeling well and even more excited that I used a tip that I learned from one of the pros: YOU.
Feliz Ano Nuevo, Mindy! Keep touching the world with your gifts and talents. The Lord made you shine on your own and not in anyone’s shadow. 💜🐻❤🐼
You are just the sweetest and I’m so glad that it worked for you! It really does make me smile that something I did inspired you. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and share your beautiful words. Have an absolutely wonderful new year and keep crafting! I think it’s what keeps us sane lol 🙂
Bless you and your family and man has it been a year! I look forward to seeing more wonderful creations that you share with us, you are amazing!
Happy New Year from Australia🎉🇦🇺
I’m not sure what exactly is happening with design teams but unfortunately, in this world we now live in, we’re no longer allowed our own opinion. I stopped all forms of social media over a year ago because of this.
One thing I do know is that I look forward to checking my emails and seeing new content from all of the designers I follow, including yours. Please don’t let them get you down and please keep doing what your doing💖
Thank you for all your videos. They are fantastic. Your are amazing. Thank you. Happy New Year to you and your family. Be safe.
Thank you for ALL the wonderful inspiration you have offered all year long! I am in the camp with previous commenters, you rock it!! Fresh ideas, terrific hints, varied content and styles… it all inspires me. For those that have been whining lately, may the New Year bring them renewed passion for whatever direction their path leads them on. We all have challenges and hardships, I think it’s called the classroom of Life! Spreading negativity helps no one, in my experience. I for one, have unsubscribed from a few creative feeds because there is enough negativity and ‘victimhood’ out there already. Vibrant, creative, can-do, let’s try this and see what we get tutorials encourage me to grow, and for that I appreciate your contributions very much! Happiest of New Years to you and your family!💗
Beautiful cards. I love following you along all year. You should do what you enjoy and not worry about whatever anyone else says. Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy New Year.
Dear Mindy – Well-stated. You’ve helped to present the other side. I have read quite a few accounts that presented a really negative view. It’s refreshing to see the other side. You make a great point. People need to do what is best for THEM and what they can manage. I keep buying things even though I have a lot…. I’m doing that to support stamp companies, too. I don’t want them to go under in these tough economic times.
Hope your new year is off to a great start!
Lori S in PA