It feels so good to be back enjoying creating again in this way, and as a celebration of sorts I’ve decided to write up the pattern for the crocheted house I used to make.

Self-care is big on everyone’s mind right now, what with lockdown 2.0 here in the UK, surge capacity depletion, the shorter days and colder weather. It’s been a buzzword for months, everyone has their own opinions and versions of it and it really is something we should all be considering during “these unprecedented times” (sorry).

Having a clear vision is something I often tell clients is really important for your business. It helps you to make decisions, communicate to your customers as well as generally being your guiding light when doubt sets in. I didn’t come up with this nugget of wisdom; it’s pretty standard advice to be fair. But what about if you don’t have a vision, or even an idea - what then?

Having a reflection practice is becoming more and more important to me, and the benefits more apparent. There was a time a few years ago where I knew it was useful, but I did the majority of the reflection in my head. As a general ‘thinky’ person I can spend a lot of time in there anyway; reflecting is kind of a natural state for me to be in - away with the fairies, head in the clouds. But these days I’m much more intentional in my reflection practice and the results are much more rewarding.

One of the best ways for me to make sure I actually get something done is to put it on the internet. I could put it in a blog post, an Instagram caption or write it in my newsletter - it doesn’t matter which one (sometimes it’s all three!), but for me to hold myself accountable I need to announce it somewhere permanent.

At the start of this year I signed up to an online course about life coaching. It was partly through personal interest; it gave me something new to focus on after I’d stopped doing my handmade business. I though it could also be a potential way for me to utilise all of the knowledge I’d accumulated over the last 5 years in business, or just a fun way for me to give myself some life coaching! Anyway, it didn’t take long for me to get really into it.

I’ve been wondering whether or not to say anything for a few days now. In times of ‘world events’ I’m usually one of the folk joining in on other people’s platforms, offering my love and support, not the one making a statement of sorts… But this time I’ve decided to do things differently.

After spending some much needed time reflecting on life at the end of 2019 I came to many realisations. The biggest was probably around how I was choosing to spend my time, and therefore also my life. As I’ve mentioned before, I hadn’t found the right balance between work (my side-business more specifically) and, well, everything else.

I have another exciting installment for the Mother/Maker series, where I interview a maker or designer on their life as a creative and a mother. I am delighted to say that Isabella from TwoMe is my guest on the blog today. I first came across Isabella on instagram many years ago when she had challenged herself to learn 12 crafts in 12 months. Since then she has grown a successful business writing, making and teaching about Macrame and natural dyeing.

Have you ever created a vision board? I hadn’t until this year. It’s not something I had thought about or really saw the value in before now, but at the start of the year I had three different sources (completely unrelated) telling me to create a vision board for 2020. So I saw it as a sign and made one.

I’m feeling excited. It’s a new decade, and all the usual ‘fresh start’ energy has been supercharged by the fact we’re leaving the 20-teen years behind. I’ve loved the last decade. It saw many huge changes for me. Lots of learning and growing…

It’s taken me more than 6 months, but with little snippets of advice here and there I’ve think I’ve finally got my leg-shaving routine down (and anxiety-free)!

So here are my top tips for having a pain and anxiety free shaving experience (and beautifully smooth legs - if that’s your thing)…