Looking Back, Looking Forward...

31st December, and as the old year fades into memories and the new year hoves into view, I always like to take time out for quiet reflection, to take stock, as so many of us do.   

What were your crafting highs – and lows – during 2016, and what are you looking forward to in 2017?  Why not share them with the rest of us, either by using the comments section below or posting on my Facebook page?  I’d love to hear from you. Here is my list:

CRAFTING HIGHS

1.       First of all, and very obviously, my number one highlight is landing my current job as a TV demonstrator and being able to work with such a marvellous and supportive bunch of people at Create and Craft and Tattered Lace.  It was a big decision for me to leave a comfortable office based career after doing that for twenty eight years, but I’ve not regretted it for a single moment.  I liked my previous job but now I know just how lucky I am to be able to do something I love as a career.

2.       The feedback I receive from all of you is another highlight.  I read all of your comments and I always feel so grateful for them.  I know how busy we all are these days – the pace of life just seems to be ever increasing – and it’s great that you take time out from your busy schedule to give me such supportive and genuinely heartwarming comments.  So, a sincere Thank You for those.

3.       One of my favourite things about this job is to be able to communicate with fellow crafters, and for that reason I love writing this blog. It can be a rather strange process at times because often I sit down to write a blog entry and I have no idea what it will be about… but so far, touch wood, an idea or two always pops up…

4.       When I look back over the last few months it is the live events that tend to stand out in my memory; the Birmingham NEC Hobbycraft Show, Doncaster Crafting Live and Peterborough Crafting Live. I think that’s because I’m essentially a people person, and I love meeting and chatting to my fellow crafters. While the live events were very hard work, they were also lots of fun to do.  It was really satisfying to be able to meet everyone, to chat, and to see the enjoyment people got from the workshops.      

CRAFTING LOWS

Thankfully I can only think of a couple:

1.       I’ve been so busy in my new career that I’ve not been able to spend as much time as I would like with my family, but they have been very understanding and supportive throughout. I usually use Bluetooth (totally hands free!) to catch up with my kids when I’m in the car driving to and from the studio!    

2.       I’ve not found time to make my own birthday and Christmas cards, which I find more than a little embarrassing! After all, making my own cards is what got me into crafting in the first place! This year most of my friends have had to make do with Christmas cards I bought from the local charity shop.  But that’s a minor gripe and the joy I get from my new job more than compensates.

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2017

It looks like it’s going to be a full on, fun year:

1.       I look forward to bringing in new concepts from Tattered Lace, and I happen to know that there are a number of exciting things in the pipeline!

2.       I’m going to work hard to develop myself as a crafter – every day is a school day as they say, and there’s always something new to learn. 

3.       I’m looking forward to spending more time in the studio as well as learning to prepare for TV shows much more efficiently instead of spending absolutely ages packing and unpacking all my stuff! 

So that’s it, time for a glass of wine and yet another mince pie as I get set to wave goodbye to 2016.  I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your comments and your support.  All the very best to you whatever you’ll be doing in 2017, and a very Happy New Year to you all … cheers!