Wow where did a year go. 2024 has been a rollercoaster to say the least. It was throwing out curveballs left, right and centre. We got through it and although some of the challenges are still present, it feels the right time to refocus and reconnect with this space.
Taking A step back
In about May time I made the decision to take a step back from social media and my website. I felt the need to retreat inward and focus on the actions of creating for me. At times I couldn’t create space for any creativity, getting lost in books and my love of reading instead. Just showing up as a mum, wife, sister, daughter and my healthcare role was all I could manage. Some days this felt a lot. With one step in front of the other and a lot of grounding work I am slowly feeling I have the mental space to show up again. To take time to put word together, to share what I’ve been working on.
So here’s a look back at 2024 and some of the things I have created and have helped focus a very overwhelmed and chaotic mind.
Soaking up the creative energy
I am forever grateful to my lovely hubby who made it possible for me to go to the Creative fayre at NEC Birmingham in October. I was so nervous going alone and when I first walked in felt a bit overwhelmed with the noise and amount of people. Once I started drifting around the different stands and overheard the conversations of others sharing their love of all things crafting it felt invigorating. Watching the amazing creators share their demonstrations in such a array of different crafts was so inspiring; from quilting, painting, embroidery and card making and so much more.
What have I been up to?
Below is a photo of some little embroidery gift tags for my family for Christmas that came with an embroidery magazine I had purchased. It was cut and go getting them finished in time but made it at the final hurdle. It was lovely to see the smiles when they saw them on their gifts.
I made some Christmas cards for family and friends this year. Some were inspired by those in magazine. I am very much a beginner in the world of cardmaking and so it was great to learn some new techniques. I had to let go of the perfectionist niggling which kept trying to rear its head, if I was going to get anything finished to give them to people.
I finally finished the pom pom wreath set that I had picked up in December 2023 and not finished in time that year. A year later and it was complete… even if that was the 28th of December. It is at least ready for next year. This year has been about showing myself grace and acceptance that things sometimes take longer than you first expect. Juggling all the things means that if you keep pushing to do everything quickly; you miss out on the enjoyment of the process of creating. That is the part I enjoy the most, so why rush it and instead try to savour being in the moment with that task.
Going with the Flow
My word for the year of 2024 was flow. At first when I looked back over the year, I thought I hadn’t really connected with this word in many ways. But on deeper reflection it was surprising how much I had without realising. Much of the second part of the year was having to embrace just going with the flow with all that was being thrown in my path. When creating too, I realise now I was letting go of things having to be a certain way and allowing myself to be in the flow state; losing any sense of time and being absorbed in the task I was undertaking in that moment. I was creating for me and no one else.
Letting go of perfectionism and just create
Letting go of what the end result would be was not always easy but when I did, there was a renewed sense of freedom. I played. Played with paper, paint, stencils, embellishments, and words. I learnt more about mixed media art, and immersed myself in learning from others in books, their YouTube channels and blogs. I was inspired again to have a go. It was fun.
Who knows what 2025 holds but as ever I am committed to creating as it feels right for me. i am excited to try new crafty projects.
Wishing you best wishes for the year ahead As always Thanks for reading.
