I can’t believe we are already almost two months into 2023, the time is just flying by at the moment! I’ve had a pretty long break from blogging and social media generally whilst I figure out which direction I’m heading in next with my art practice. 

After finishing my amazing diploma at Morley College last summer I was on a massive high following the final exhibition and I felt really fired up about the course I started in September. I was so excited to keep learning about all things textiles and how I could incorporate all these new skills into my own work. Unfortunately the course did not live up to my expectations. It was poorly organised and the content was basic and unchallenging. I tried to be patient and kept waiting for it to pick up for the whole of the first term, but after returning from the winter break I decided that a month into term two this was not the course for me and I had to withdraw. I know this was the right decision for me because ever since I have been feeling so much better, mentally and physically. 

I’m now really excited to continue with my textile journey, just in a different way to what I expected. I have booked some courses and conferences to attend, including Craftcation in California (which I am super excited about), as well as a week long artistic embellishment course at Hand and Lock. There’s so many things to look forward to now, and when Morley College releases course dates for September I will definitely be booking myself on. The tutors there are so inspiring and the studio and resources available are so great. 

In the meantime I have lots of ideas whirling around in my head that I want to bring to life. I have already made a start on a few projects and am looking forward to sharing them. The main project I am working on is clearing out the summerhouse in our garden and turning it into a proper studio so I don’t keep cluttering up the dining room table! We inherited the summerhouse when we bought our house and I commandeered it immediately to use for my various projects. It initially started as a jewellery studio, but as I transitioned over to textiles it gradually became more of a storage room, leaving no space to work.

I’ve already begun clearing it out and have gathered together all the craft kits I have accumulated over the last few years that I have just not had time to complete. I’m really keen to take the time to do these kits. Since starting this blog and reviewing kits and workshops I have learnt so many new tips, tricks and techniques, some of which have become second nature in the way I work. So, going forward I have three main projects to work on; creating a functioning studio, working my way through all my outstanding craft kits, and developing my own art practice through courses and workshops, but also through creating my own work. I really hope when I get to the end of 2023 I can look back and feel like I’ve achieved these aims.