Is anyone else as shocked as I am that it’s almost the end of the year? I mean, I know New Year’s comes right after Christmas, but somehow this one snuck up on me anyway. As I’m getting ready to take The Palette Muse into 2016, I thought it would be fun to look back at what happened in 2015. When I did, I realized why I’ve been feeling kind of busy lately. Here’s a quick rundown of some highlights from my 65 (!) posts this last year…
The year started with a few organizing projects, my favorite being this pantry makeover. What was once a sad and cluttered coat closet, now gets used every day as my kitchen pantry.
Then I made some friends (and some enemies!) with this post on how to make a better bunk bed tent. Who knew people had such strong opinions about bunk beds!
Along the way, we thought it would be fun to adopt a puppy, so we tried fostering one first, and learned some great tips on how to puppy-proof your house and yard. 
Most of all, we learned we weren’t quite ready to be puppy parents. Maybe someday…
I opened an Etsy shop at the end of 2014, so 2015 was all about learning how to run the shop and how to organize my crafting supplies and inventory.
Then, because I don’t spend enough time on social media already, I jumped into Instagram, and now I’m obsessed. The biggest learning for me was how to use hashtags.
I learned to knit a little better with this fun shawl project.
And of course, I made over a few rooms for clients, like this master bath makeover that I’m still jealous about.
But my favorite thing to make over is always thrift store furniture like this sweet little chalk paint and drop cloth chair that I rescued.
A few holiday crafts are always fun, like these easy shimmery snowflake cards or etched glass candle holders.
Of course, The Palette Muse would not be the same without color palettes. I couldn’t pick a favorite one of these, but this one was one of my readers’ faves.
And finally, my most ambitious and scary project this year was to write a book. I haven’t put the book together yet, but I’ve written most of the chapters through these posts on Surviving Creativity. 
If you love being creative, but don’t always know how to make it work for you, then hopefully this series will help!
When all is said and done, my own personal favorite posts are always the musings on family or parenthood, like this one on why I would make the world’s worst superhero.
Whew! That’s a lot of information for one year. Thanks for sticking with me!
Bonus: it was actually the very end of 2014 that I painted my kitchen cabinets, and learned a few valuable lessons along the way (like don’t take on a major painting project in the middle of winter!), and I’ll be back next week to give you a One-Year-Later update on how the paint is holding up.
Until then, Happy New Year, and may your 2016 be blessed and full of hope and creativity!
jacquiegum says
It was a fun year, following you! Happy New Year Meredith and may 2016 bring you all the best of everything:)
Meredith says
Thanks Jacquie, and same to you! I sure miss your “Where’s the Justice?” posts!
Susan Cooper/findingourwaynow.com says
Has it really been over a year since u painted tie cabinets? Wow time files. Seems like a month or so ago. Don’t know what happened to 2015. Hope you have a happy and colorful 2016!
Meredith says
I know, I couldn’t believe it either! How time flies. Happy 2016 to you too Susan!
Erica says
You’ve had a busy year! I don’t think I read your cabinets post from 2014(I was out of the blogging world then.) Needless to say, I think that it is fun that you are checking in about your project a year later. i’m excited to see that even though I missed your original post. Oh, your picture reminded me of your homemade ice cream post from earlier in the year that sounded super yummy. And now I really want ice cream
Meredith says
Ha! Now I want ice cream too! The power of suggestion….
Ken Dowell says
Could probably have used your puppy proofing tips. Instead I ended up buying a new couch.
Meredith says
Oh dear, well a new couch is good too! Hopefully this one survives a little better…
Jeri Walker (@JeriWB) says
I love all of your posts Meredith! I have so many ideas percolating and now that the holidays are over, I am ready to make the time to work on painting my furniture.
Meredith says
Ooh, I can’t wait to see what you come up with Jeri!
lenie says
You have been a busy gal this past year but thank goodness for us. I have learned so much from you and it’s your creativity along with your terrific sense of humour that keeps me coming back week after week.
Look forward to sharing 2016 with you. Good luck with your book. Keep us informed about that.
Meredith says
Thanks Lenie! I always learn so much from you too!
Sabrina Quairoli says
I loved all these posts. I even went back and revised one’s I missed. Thanks for sharing these collections. I reshared some of the on Pinterest also. You always make the best images to share. What software do you use?
Meredith says
Thanks Sabrina! I use Picmonkey.com for most of my photo editing. You can do so much with their tools. They have a free version, but I pay $33/year to upgrade and it’s well worth it and much cheaper than buying other photo editing software. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but you can find so many great tutorials on line. Good luck!
Donna Janke says
You’ve had a busy and creative year. I always enjoy reading about your latest project. Wishing you all the best in 2016.
Meredith says
Thanks Donna, and same to you as well!
Jeannette Paladinoj says
Meredith — congratulations on 65 posts! That’s awesome. I’ve enjoyed your how-to projects and the accompanying photos.I admire your creativity and courage to take on some of these big projects. Look forward to your 2016 posts.
Meredith says
Thank you Jeannette! I’m hoping to do more smaller projects in 2016!
heraldmarty says
It’s always fun to scroll through memory lane. You know Meredith I just love the colors you use! I must it’s January 5th and I’m still trying to get back up to speed, but 2015 was a good year and I’m looking forward to the months ahead. 🙂
Meredith says
Thanks Marty! I know, I’m still trying to remember to write 2016 when I put the date on something!
Catarina Alexon says
Your posts are creative and innovative. Glad you have managed to produce 65 posts. Memory lane is great fun.
Meredith says
Thanks Catarina, it really is fun to look back over the year!
Phoenicia says
I enjoy reading your blog as it is always so fresh. I begin to decorate my house in my mind lol! You have some wonderful ideas which can quickly modernise a home.
I look forward to seeing what you present in 2016!
Meredith says
Thanks Phoenicia! Mental decorating is one of my favorite pastimes!
William Rusho says
I think I may of posted this on your Instagram post by accident
I liked reading your posts all year long, The Instagram was great, I am new to using it, and this will definitely help me.
Thanks for sharing.
Meredith says
Thanks William, you can post wherever you want! Thanks for clicking through…