Welcome Back
Here at Billie’s Craft Room I’m not making any New Year’s resolutions, they seem to be such a negative thing to do. Why would you keep a resolution that seems to be more about punishment than enjoyment. For this reason I go for a more positive approach, by making a list of things I’d really like to try in the coming year.
- Bag making
- Quick small projects
- Handmade Gifts
- Make a clock
- Painting
2011; Textiles
Don’t be put off by the title if you come to this blog for the paper crafting, I’ll still be doing lots of this. Each year I try to focus on a particular subject to learn more about. Gathering information, books, suppliers and supplies etc, this year I’m going to do a big push on textiles.
Back in June 2010, I was very lucky in that my family bought me a sewing machine for my birthday. Due to lack of funds I’ve not had much in the way of fabric to practice on, so I need to save for some fabric and get going with the machine. My main interest is making bags, and hope to learn more about this in the year, with a view to making bags as gifts for people for next Christmas.
That said, as with all new techniques it takes a while to learn your way round new surfaces (fabrics) and machines and I was born without much patience. So to save my sanity and keep my regular readers you will still be hearing lots about paper crafting. Must get back to making more books too.
So, my question is, what would you like to try in 2011?
Make a list of things you love doing or would like to try, then choose a few that seem possible and give them a go.
Times are tough on the financial front, we are all having to cut back on luxuries but that doesn’t mean all doom and gloom. If cleaning out your craft room is on your to do list, you are BOUND to find things you had forgotten you had. Products or techniques that you used to love but have been lost to the back of the cupboard. Give yourself rewards if have done something you hate doing, this could be as simple as putting your feet up with a book, or a long bubble bath. Not all rewards are financial or calory based 😉
Leave me a comment and let me know what you would like to do in 2011.
I’ve always wanted to
I love to
Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon
Billie 🙂
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Glad you are looking into textiles, I have started using all kinds of pieces in my crafting. Mostly, experimenting right now. Can’t wait to see what you come across. This year, I am moving away from store bought crafting materials and looking to make my own. Also, I am adding more “used” flea market finds and old odds and ends into my art work.
Hi Valerie
Yes there seems to be quite a shift toward hand made and vintage items at the moment. Having kept an eye on Etsy and its UK varient Folksy, it’s so nice to see more and more handmade items coming back into fashion. I am somewhat anti-fashion really, I’ll buy or try things because I like them rather than because they are ‘in’ things.
I got a bit hooked on Kirsty Allsop programs about hand making things. It was so nice to hand make most of my gifts last year and definately something I’m going to try to do this year. It makes you fell much more connected to the gift and the person you are making it for, when you make it yourself. Starting early in the year also takes the pressure off and Christmas was more relaxing this year as a result.
The quilts that people make are stunning, but I was born without patience so can’t see me trying that side of textiles but who knows? If you had offered me a sewing machine three years ago I would not have been grateful, {blushes} So you never know where your creative journey will take you.
Look forward to seeing your projects too.
Best wishes
Billie 🙂
Hi Billie!
I would love to try some items with clay this year. I’ve never used it and find it a bit scary. 🙂
Hi Jeanne
Stay tuned, I was lucky enough to recieve a fantastic book on Polymer clay this Christmas and will be reviewing it later this month 🙂
Best wishes and Happy New Year
Billie 🙂
Much fun with trying all the new things! Indeed, a nicer approach than resolutions!
Hi HIlke
Thanks, I got fed up with New Years resolutions being quite so negative. No wonder people don’t stick to them! This is much more fun and you are much more likely to achive at least something on the list.
Have a Happy Creative 2011 🙂