Looking back at an Amazing year of ‘Making’ & Creating

When I look through my Photo Gallery on my laptop I almost feel like my life flashes before my eyes… Wow, wow, wow, it’s been quite a year of creativity! In fact, looking back at an amazing year of making, I can’t help but feel proud of all these popular projects!

A Year in Review – Creativity, Inspiration, and Making 2024 Magical!

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s a time to reflect on all the amazing things that have happened. Here at madebybarb.com, we’ve (you and I) have had quite a year brimming with creativity, inspiration, and of course, making! I’ve shared countless DIY projects, explored new techniques, and hopefully, empowered you to unleash your inner maker.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the highlights & most popular from Madebybarb.com in 2024:

My evolving love for Felting, in many forms;

Art can be ‘translated’ into different media once you see just how easy it can be used. Working with wool keeps surprising me! These 3D Needle felted birds were a huge hit! ‘It’s no wonder as everyone loves birds in any form!

Sometimes there’s some tricks to make magic happen! I’m still amazed at how these Wet Felted Roses magically appear! Oh how I’d love a full arrangement; even as a wedding bouquet!

You can’t over look the way Needle Felting is perfect for sculpting animals! There’s so many tricks and techniques to this very versatile media! Let me guide you as you start your Animal needle felting journey

If you are just starting needle felting, figuring out core material is probably the first question. I’ve experimented so I can share my Guide to Needle Felting Cores.

I’m Known for my Concrete Draping!

We all know where it started (the infamous Concrete Spook) and has evolved into a whole variety of draped concrete creations from there! Since there’s endless possibilities with this concrete technique my Draping Tips & Tricks is hugely popular. DIY’ers always love Tips & Tricks tutorials!

There’s been a lot of Mushroom ‘Love’!

That bizarre vision I had in my mind became reality this year! I’m so excited at how well received my Huge Draped Concrete Mushrooms have been! Don’t dismiss those visions; it’s the key to being unique and standing out from the crowd!

Everyone is Loving the Blues!

I should have known; I was totally enthralled with printing Cyanotypes on all kinds of materials so it’s no wonder it’s been so popular! From basic cyanotype on paper using botanicals to creating your own negatives to print from, I never tire of the possibilities. If blue is not your fave, they can also be toned to other colours!

When you really do not want to keep buying expensive supplies at the craft store use what you can find for free! Your cyanotype designs on rocks and stones will definitely be one of a kind!

If Mother Nature isn’t giving you the sunshine as you need, here is a bit of help. I love that I can control whenever I want to print with this Easy Indoor exposure Light for Cyanotype.

Eco Printing NEVER gets old!

I often have to stop myself from picking up more leaves! If you are an Eco Printer I am sure you know the feeling; ‘I can make some amazing prints with those’! To take the artistic possibilities even further I had fun with some creative use of Iron Blankets! Yes, eco printing is nature, art, and scince all rolled in a ‘bundle’, if you are curious…

Looking back at an amazing year of making;

I’m brimming with excitement for what the new year holds! After looking back at an amazing year of making I can’t help but think next year will be even better! Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect from Madebybarb.com in 2025:

• Fresh DIY Ideas: I’ll continue to explore new and innovative craft projects, as well as pushing limits of favourite media.
• In-Depth Tutorials: I’ll delve deeper into specific techniques, providing detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips to ensure your DIY endeavours are successful.
• Sustainable Crafting: I’ll continue to focus on eco-friendly and up-cycled projects, encouraging responsible crafting practices and mindful resource usage.

I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for being a part of the Madebybarb.com community in 2024. Your support and enthusiasm motivates me to keep creating, inspiring, and making every day an opportunity to explore the magic of DIY.

What are your favorite DIY memories from Madebybarb.com in 2024? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know what kind of projects you’d love to see in 2025!

Here’s to another year of creativity, community, and making together! ~ sincerely Barb