it's Friday night and I'm loving....

the lighter nights creeping slowly towards spring...when I left work tonight it wasn't quite dark...and it was only raining which is better than the sleet of Thursday night!

  

that we've had sunshine and crisp frosty days this week to brighten life up, it lights up the branches and berries as it lights up hope

that there may be winter still to come but there are buds on branches, and the first snowdrops and primroses are appearing nestled under the hedgerows...

that my machine embroidery workshop at Making...at The Studio on Sunday was fantastic...I had three very talented stitchers, who went away inspired...and who inspired me! it makes me so happy and is so satisfying to help other people to get creative...thanks to Gill, Helen and Ursula for making it a wonderful day...

 

Gill's lovely bunting...

 

Helen creating delightful delicate hearts

Ursula sewing beautiful textured seedheads...

and last but most especially that my dear friend Chris gave me THE most wonderful handmade jumper for my birthday (some kind of special one!!) which must have taken many months of knitting and is utterly gorgeous and I can't stop wearing it! thanks a million Mrs B! I love it! You are soo talented...

Friday night and I'm loving....

 

this fantastic mug...an inspired and inspiring birthday pressie - thanks Jane... it's fab!

that 2 days being back at work has been good this week, after all the Christmassyness  it's soo nice to be back to 'normal'

that it's time to take down the decorations and lovingly wrap them and pack them back in boxes...tuck them up till next year

that husband mine has been at home today...so nice to think that the cats can stay in and tea is made to come home to...in theory...

that our local hairdresser from down the village has popped in...result 2 happy haircuts in no time at all...

that I was brave and went to a printer this morning to ask for prices for printing leaflets and business cards...who'd have thought it?! this time last year I had no idea what wonderful changes the year held for me...new job...new (warm) studio...new teaching workshops..new collaborating with fellow artists and friends which makes doing it all so much less scary....new arty way of being and doing... my life slowly moving in the right direction, suuported by husband mine, daughter and our many friends...

that my passion and talent for making and creating will be shared with others...and will earn me a living

that my love, knowledge and enthusiasm for contemporary art and craft is being utilised in a job...wow!

that for the first time in my life I am earning money doing what I love and believe I have an expertise in...

that I've been asked to go and talk to a local Springboard  group about what I do and how I got here...ooer mrs! the idea is to inspire other women...I say follow your heart...and dream dreams and be open to oppportunity...and see what happens! Everything is possible...thank you Universe!

Happy New Year

to you all where so ever you are and what so ever you are  doing...stop for a moment and feel the freshness and opportunity...I love new beginnings... turn over the page on the brand new calendar and it's a blank sheet...not just a new day but a new month and a whole new clean and shiny year full of possibilities....of long and lovely days to fill with amazing things! Life is wonderful and it feel like a fresh start after the rather challenging high jinks of last year...

and what could be nicer to begin with than my MollieMakes calendar, free with my last copy...full of delicious illustrations and inspiration...

 

 and I think these will be some of my resolutions for the year...

 

I am now on a little holiday after being at work this last week...huzzah... and it's a chance to look at the house afresh...do some house loving...take down some decorations...dig out the dusty dyson... and start something like a spring clean...no, only joking! It's only New Year's Day, give us a chance! 

actually what I have done is snuck down to my studio and had a making moment with a little brooch to start off the year....got lots of ideas and lots of plans...how to make a difference this year to me and my family and my life... and share the simple joys of life with other people too...looking foward to much more sewing, stitching and creating... and meeting more new people and sharing creativity at my workshops...lots more Making at The Studio ...

but also more making time for myself to 

a) have fun
b) relax and 
c) eat more chocolate...

and a final word from Mollie...

 .