As I look back on 2024, one lesson stand out above all: the importance of creating from the heart, not just for a paycheck. This time last year, I made a promise to myself to lean into what I love most....bold colors, playful patterns and always adding a touch of black and white to my work.
This promise wasn't just about style...it was about staying authentic to who I am as an artist and a person. While there were moments of doubt and the temptation to play it safe, every time I stayed true to my creative instincts, the result was something I could be proud of....work that felt like ME through and through.
My top 10 favorite projects from 2024 are more than just pieces of furniture or decor. They are a reflection of my heart, my passion, and my refusal to compromise on what brings me joy. I hope these pieces inspire you to do the same in your own creative journey....because when you create with love, it shows in every detail. .
This crazy fun writing desk is probably my top fave of all the ones I share with you today!
I mean how could you not love it...with its carved curves, spindle legs and crazy weird cut outs that make no sense at all??
As I look at the photos, I just remember rolling around on my work stool singing out loud with my shop doors open.....like no one was watching!
I really should try to have THIS much fun with every project! New Year's promise right there!
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OHhhhhhh the nutcracker chair.....how I love you!!
I actually painted this during the last week of 2023....but I didn't share with you here until 2024....so that counts!
This one just speaks to my soul...so much so that I've left it out hanging on my shop wall year round! He just makes me happy!
This piece brought me Christmas in the summer....as I painted it in August!
It was a "re-paint" which is never fun....since it means the previous time spent on the first makeover wasn't chosen by anyone in the furniture shopping world.
But this time....the do-over was SO worth it.....and I loved every single minute of working on it! I should do more Christmas in summer!
This dresser is the perfect example of stepping away from the norm!
It's finish does not represent me in any way.....other than the use of black and white.
However, what you may not know is that I am very drawn to the southwest pattern.
I just haven't painted it before.
So I found great enjoyment in this process.....and I look forward to trying it again this year!
I really would love to spend more time on canvas.....but for the last two years.....I have really only turned to canvas to create the art logo for my painting retreats.
That is what this Frida canvas was for me. Our focus was "wings"....."but what if you fly".
The quote is a reminder to trust.....and that was our focus of last years retreat.....to trust the process.
I will forever remember painting this piece as my baby sis watched over my shoulder (she's not really a baby...she's 40+.....LOL) and she claimed this art as she watched it unfold. It now hangs in her room and that makes me very happy.
There is no way I could not choose this armoire to be in my personal faves for 2024!
This pieces holds the memories of my 2024 Riverside Paint Retreat!
It was made while loving on, being loved on, dancing, laughing, sharing and teaching 30+ other women that I now call friends. This piece does not hold any black and white.....but it does display the most beautiful blended checkered pattern.....and that works for me!
Tiny pieces can hold big places in your heart too!
This little table and I spent a lot of time together....up close and personal with those checks moving over and around the tri-legs.
The piece was special before I even painted it....as Matt brought it home from his dad's estate.
There is something about being able to hold it in one hand while I painted with the other.....almost like painting a toy.
I really enjoyed it and will certainly keep my eye out for this little cutie style going forward!
I'm shocking myself....choosing the rainbow faced cat chair as one of my top faves!
I'm more of a dog lady......but I do appreciate the kitties too.
So why choose this?
It was the challenge of matching up those bold colors on the cat decoupage paper to my paints.....and "painting in" the image to trick the eye into believing it is all done by hand!
I REALLY enjoy the painting in challenge of decoupage.....and YOU and the internet LOVED this cat chair!
I made two and they both sold in an instant!
This piece was the biggest heart tugger for me in 2024.
I LOVED the woman that this piece originally belonged to! When she passed away, her daughter and dear friend of mine, asked me to paint it and to just go crazy with color and patterns!
She wanted a happy piece to put in her entry that would remind her of her sweet mom AND make her smile!
If you are new here, legacy pieces are a favorite of mine!
Furniture with meaning is SO spiritually moving to work on for me! I sing.....I pray.....I cry....and sometimes I become so overwhelmed with all the feels that I have to walk away for the day.
All of that happened with this piece.....the experience was surreal.....and I'd do it all over again tomorrow! It's an incredible honor!
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Let's wrap up the year in review with the Santa Belly Globe that was born in my brain in an instant!
Zero inspiration.....zero planning.....just popped into my brain and came out of my hands to look like this!
Sometimes I surprise even myself.....and this is one of those times!
My Favorite Projects of 2024
Thank you for joining me in this time of reflection.....and cheers to many more goodies coming your way in 2025!
Cheers!
XOXO,
Tracey
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