This post is my contribution to the Creative Odyssey Blog Hop. During December, over 40 bloggers will be sharing their creative dreams and goals for 2011. Also posting in the hop today is Dannielle Cresp.
This year has been phenomenal. Adversity (a.k.a. a year’s worth of dental problems delaying us from leaving on our dream trip around Australia) has given birth to creativity (a.k.a. my jewellery business is flourishing, I’ve launched a zine that people are enjoying, and this blog is growing every day).
When I quit my job at the end of last year in anticipation of a trip around the country, I never, ever imagined I’d be where I am right now – both metaphorically and literally! We should have been somewhere other than here, living in our van. Instead, we’re at home, and I have managed to embrace a creative life – and not only that, but make a bit of a living from doing so. Which, really, is the ultimate dream. To be making a living, working from home on your passion? Yep, I’m on my way.
So – 2011. I have so, so many plans – both for my creative business, and for my personal self.
The Blog
You may have noticed I’ve been messing with this blog a lot of late. The changes I’ve made around here definitely reflect the changes going on within myself. This year I have re-defined myself over and over in my own mind. And when my self-image gets a makeover, I often find that something about the blog jars me, because it doesn’t fit any more with the ‘me’ I am becoming.
I realised that while I want this blog to grow, I also want it to be unique. I don’t want to do or look like anyone else, nor do I want it to be bland and generic. On the flip side, I definitely don’t want it to be about me, me, me – because while I want to share my creative and crafty journey with you, I don’t want to overwhelm you or bore you with it!
So, a big thank-you to all of you who’ve stuck around while I’ve changed banners/backgrounds/layouts/etc etc – while I continue to find my ‘voice’ in this blogging world. I have big plans for things to share here next year…
The Zine
My oh my – 4 issues to create next year! Occasionally I’ll actually contemplate the enormity of this, but then I just whimper slightly and retreat to taking it day-by-day. I can’t wait to be at this place again next year, looking back on 5 (5!!) issues of *bespoke*. I took a big chance when I printed Issue 1 – but the chance has paid off in so many ways that I am eternally grateful that I took the leap!
And that is due to you. Yep. Every single person who has bought it, tweeted, blogged, facebooked it, spoken to me face-to-face about it… you have made that little dream into reality. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I have big dreams for *bespoke* – I want it to become something really fabulous, that enriches the lives of everyone who reads it. I want it to inspire you to get creative, get brave, and make your dreams reality. If I do that, I will be one happy lady.
Craft
Sewing. Yes, I want to conquer my fear! This involves first buying a sewing machine… as the old Singer here at my parents’ – while gorgeous – is very temperamental. I think life would be easier using a newer machine. Any recommendations?
And while we’re at it – link me up to any fab places online to read sewing tutorials… I know you know where they are!
I also want to do a little baking, a little of a few other crafty bits and pieces. I originally had an idea to learn a number of crafts in 2011 and blog about it, but I came to my senses and realised I’d really only have time to learn one or two.
As for my main craft – my jewellery – I have some ideas of where I want to take that, too. I have ideas for new ranges, new techniques – and once I come back from my Summer holiday, I intend to make the time to create some of these. I’ve started to become a bit enamoured of everything vintage of late – I’m building a vintage wardrobe, for one thing – and I’d like to create a line of jewellery that fits with that style.
And one last thing…
Photos. I took all the photos in this post, and am having fun learning how to use my fancy camera, and post-processing. I want to get better at that, to take pretty, inspiring pictures to share! Images are so important to a blog like mine, and I’d really enjoy taking more of my own, rather than just sharing other people’s shots!
So – those are some of my plans. Knowing me, this time next year I’ll have another few crazy, completely unplanned things happening – but I wouldn’t have my life any other way.
Lovely readers, do share… what are your creative goals and dreams for 2011?
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Congrats on everything you’ve achieved this year, and i can’t wait to see what you do next year! Thanks for organizing this blog hop!
This is a beautiful – talk about creative perseverance! WOW! It is truly inspiring to read all the beginning + continuing you have indulged over the year. Despite what wasn’t created, your trip, you’ve created so much more which leaves me suspicious if that wasn’t the “real Plan” the universe might have had all along. hmmm. NOw when you leave, you;ll have so much creativity to express your adventures and a whole supportive community to share that with – this truly feels like a win-win! Thanks for sharing and many blessings + luck + joy along your path next year!
What a year you have already day! I hope next year is all that you are hoping for and so much more!
Thank you for including me in your blog hop! 🙂
Congratulations on a fabulously creative and successful year! Not what you expected but sometimes life’s big and little surprises are the nicest gifts, aren’t they? Can’t wait to see *bespoke* and your blog grow over the next 12 months…
With sewing – I took the leap and bought a machine about 18 months ago. I didn’t do much research, just went by what was recommended in the shop and what felt ‘right’ when I tested them out. I wanted something easy to use, reliable and not to fancy. I ended up with a mid-range brother and I love it. The best thing I did when I started sewing again was to read the hints & tips manual that comes with the sewing machine, saved me much heartache 🙂
Two good books are Bend-the-rules Sewing by Amy Karol and Simple Sewing by Lotta Jansdotter. Even if you don’t use the patterns in them they are great for picking up basic tips, tricks and techniques. Have fun!
Hey jess, Congrats on where you are today and it will be great to see where you reach a year from today. ( a blog post in about 12 months , perhaps, linking to this one?!)
Good luck with all your ventures this year. Esp, the sewing venture ! I can’t stitch to save my life..so one day if and when I take on THAT fear, I’ll be sure to let you know !!
Thank you all, lovely people! It’s been an exciting year, and I’m so stoked about what I have planned for 2011!
Em – thank you! I’ll have to do some more research.. I’m going to Spotlight tonight, hmmm.. ;D
wonderful idea Jess. And already your blog is inspirational.
I found my day and am now off to visit todays poster.
Fuuny how the detours in life open up other avenues…
And we wouldn’t have you any other way Jess – crazy & unplanned or not, you are an inspiration 🙂
Jess you are such an inspiration to me, my little etsy business grew out of life taking an unexpected turn and when I look at all your work I see that there are so many possibilities out there.
Wish I could give you some sewing tips – I got a new machine for my birthday in May and am too scared to use it hehehe
Oh I’m so excited for you and your new sewing journey! I bought a Singer when my local fabric shop was having a sale on extra “class machines” that they use for teaching. It sat in it’s box, with all it’s odd attachments for quite a long time. One year ago, I sat down with her (yep, it’s a she, though she doesn’t have a name), the Manual, and a pile of old pillow cases to practice on. Now I know her well, she helps me make stuff…it’s the strangest thing! LOL Last December I didn’t know where the power switch was, now I take it apart, clean and oil and even get her put back together! Youtube is a life saver seriously! Search anything from “how to sew a button hole”, or “how to make pleats” and you’ll find it there.
It’s so funny how our best-laid plans get thrown out the window by Fate, isn’t it?
I know you had a plan of doing something different, but I’m totally grateful Life/Fate/Whatever-you-want-to-call-it brought you into the crafty community. You’ve already got a strong voice, and I can’t wait to see you only get stronger!
As for your list, I’m excited to see how you tackle it! I fully expect that in a year, all of those things will be checked off. 🙂
Haha, nothing like pressure, eh Brandi? ;D xx
Aimee, Amanda, Jane, Tash – thank you, thank you! xx
Sewing was a goal of mine this year, and I did it! My mum gave me her very old (and temperamental) machine, and I enrolled in a community course at Stafford State School. It was enough to give me some very basic fundamentals. Then, I set to work trying to understand ‘easy’ patterns. In my mind, they are NOT easy. But I persisted, and I’ve made quite a few items of clothing for myself now. Yay me!
I started out my 2010 blogging year with some goals too. Perhaps I should check what they were and see how I’m going progressing! 🙂
Kylie – that’s great inspiration for me, thank you! And you totally should re-vist your goals 🙂
If you want more inspiration, check out the ‘craft’ tag on my blog – you’ll see what I’ve made so far!
Jess, I am in awe of all you have achieved this year. What are my goals for next year!!
I would love to have a blog as fabulous as you do
I would love to take better photos – I have all the books that tell me how to but sitting down and reading the books and experimenting with the camera all takes time.
I will make more time to do the things I love.
I will learn a few more chords on the guitar
I will try harder to learn the violin
I will try and promote my online shops better
I will have more faith in myself.
Lets see how I go with this.
You should be so proud of all you’ve accomplished this past year. Hopefuuly I can help you with your sewing ambitions –I’ll keep you in the loop 😉 And yes, get a machine that works otherwise you might hate sewing before you ever learn 😉
I also wanted to say that I’ve been reading your ebook and it’s GREAT! Another great accomplishment.
Good luck to you and your goals for 2011!
Kylie – love some of the tops you sewed – might have to give that pattern a go sometime 🙂
Del – wow, go you! Fabulous goals ;D
Angela – thank you so much, and I may just take you up on that offer of loopy-ness… ;D
Thanks for sharing this post. Very inspiring to hear about your creative journey and the unexpected path you took to get there. Everything happens for a reason, right? Look forward to following you in the new year and must say that I’m also inspired to go deeper on my creative journey (and learn to use my fancy new camera) in 2011.
Jess, what an amazing year you’ve had, and how much you’ve done and learned and grown through it. xx
Those are absolutely my favourite kinds of years, and I’ve had one a bit like that myself; where we open ourself to the freedom to pursue our dreams. Even if we don’t end up where we think we’re going, because the Universe takes our openness as an invitation to send us on a different journey from the one we planned, they are absolutely frickin’ awesome. 😉
With all else going on for me this year, my artsy-craftsy side has had to take a back seat. BUT – I did buy a small trestle table and create an inviting dedicated space for my art and sewing. My machine (my beloved now-25-year-old Pfaff) has had a couple of small outings, and I’d like to spend more time at it in 2011. I spend so much time in my head; I need to balance, by working with my hands and my heart. One of my main goals for 2011. x
Thank you, Melissa!
Tracy – sounds like you’ve had a pretty amazing year, too – and here’s to pulling out the sewing machines in 2011!
Hi Jess,
I have just spent a wonderful Sunday afternoon reading the posts from the first week of the Creative Odyssey – thank you for having such a fabulous idea AND then putting it in motion.
Its been a great introduction to some great blogs (and people!)
All the posts have certainly got me thinking about my creative dreams and goals in 2011. I’ve just started crafting my own post on the subject – once its down for all the world to see its a little difficult to just ‘forget’.
Thanks again,
Lisa
P.S. so looking forward to what you have in store for next week!
And congrats on all you have achieved this year – very inspirational!
Lisa – thanks for your comment! I’m so glad hear that the Creative Odyssey has introduced you to some new people, and that you’re thinking about your own dreams for 2011 – that’s what it’s all about! 🙂
So exciting!!! Thanks for the inspiration and bloggy goodness each and every day. Wishing you lots of love and success in the coming year…