2011 in review...

After a nice, long, lovely Christmas vacation with my in-laws in California, I'm happy to be back!  With all of the fantastic "Top 10" and "Project of the Year" posts popping up all over the blog-o-sphere, I thought I should join in the fun!

2011 has been unbelievable for this little blog of mine.  When I posted my first couple of tutorials in December 2010, I had no idea people would actually see them...and keep coming back for more!  I can't believe all of the positive feedback and growth the past year has brought.  I couldn't be more grateful.  Thanks to all of you for your readership and kind words.

With that said, many of you have discovered Stay-at-Home Artist rather recently, so I thought it would be fun to recap some of my popular posts and favorite projects of 2011.  Let's get started!

It seems appropriate to begin with my Stenciling with Freezer Paper/Harry Potter Tee.  This post got picked up by StumbleUpon and has gotten more hits than I ever could have imagined! (Right now we're at +700,000...what?!?)

I still get shirt orders almost daily...

you guys love your Harry Potter, that's for sure. :)

(Convo me through my etsy shop if you want one, too!)

My favorite project from the past year might be my Reversible Sewing Machine Cover.  That colorful bunting paired with polka dots just makes me happy...

This T-shirt Yoga Skirt is a cinch to make and so comfy to wear.

Another popular post is my Concentric Circles Canvas Art.  You don't have to be a great artist to get beautiful results.  (It's fun for kids, too!)

And I happen to be rather partial to this Butterfly Wall Hanging.  

I can't wait for spring so I can hang it up again!

Typography is still all the rage in home decor right now...and making Wood Plaque Wall Decor is inexpensive and simple.  (Plus, this post includes a little image-transferring trick.)

My Candlestick Topiary is such a versatile project.

I've gotten tons of emails and messages from people who have used the idea to decorate for all kinds of events--weddings, parties, anniversary celebrations, etc.

I wear my ModCloth-Inspired Color Wheel Pendant all the time.  I'm an art nerd! :)

This Lace Overlay Pendant turned out really pretty.  I think they would make such great gifts for friends' birthdays.  Who wouldn't love a little handmade piece of jewelry?

And I'm no cooking professional or anything, but I thought I'd throw in a few of my favorite recipe posts, too.  These Lemon-Berry Bars are so SO SO good.  

Once I recover from my post-holiday sugar overload I might have to make myself a batch.  I'm a sucker for anything lemon and anything berry...so lemon and berries with a shortbread crust is irresistable.

And I happen to think this Snickerdoodle recipe is the best one ever. :)

But my favorite dish posted this year has to be my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.  I like to make a batch and eat a bowl everyday until it's gone.  If you look forward to the same meal for a week straight, that has to be a good recipe, right?

Thanks again for all of your love and support this year.

Here's to hoping 2012 is full of even more creativity!