Make your own memories

When I think about all the places I've travelled sometimes its hard to remember all the details. I love collecting little bits along the way and these things bring back memories that really capture the essence of a place. Some of the mosttreasured  souvenirs that I have are things that remind me of an experience I had that the photographs just can't convey.

I have a some wool from a sheep that I sheered in New Zealand and a small bit of woven cloth I made with some women in Tonga. A picture that I helped the little boy paint at the homestay in Samoa. I love to keep my battered guide books and travel souvenirs and reminisce and if you do the same you’ll know the power of objects to evoke a time and place. 

Crafting is a great way for you to make some of your own treasured possessions that you can bring back from the road, and remind you of the amazing experiences behind them.

That's why we came up with our 'Give it a go' sessions in our workshop. And it's not just for the tourists. It's a great way to spend time with loved ones or celebrate a special occasion. 

We have something for everyone from glass painting to embroidery. 

Being kind to myself.

Well last week was again busy busy busy. But by the end of the week instead of feeling invigorated I felt a bit flat. I do a lot of thinking (often at the expense of sleeping) about the business and I love that it keeps my brain active. So why last week did I feel so flat?

Well when you have your own business it's simply the way that you have to turn your hand to anything. I was manager, painter and decorator, marketeer, planner, cleaner, shop rearranger, supply manager, accountant and web developer.

My favourite part of the week was the 1.5 hours on Thursday evening with the sewing class but the one thing I wasn't last week was maker.  

You can escape for a while painting the wall but there is no creativity in it! I'm happiest when I'm being creative. 

I can be doing anything and an idea pops into my head. It generally kicks around there for a while until I get chance to do a bit of research. After a lot of surfing the net and thinking about how to make it I get down to it. Sometimes I like the product as soon as its finished and other times I can't decide if it works. 

For the ones I'm not sure about I will do more research.... which means leaving the product on the counter or the table. No comments is feedback in itself and any comments spark a conversation. 

I might then make changes and make it again. 

It doesn't have to be a long process but sometimes the creativity can be as simple as planning the window or the shop display or how to show a product. 

So while Tom is away this week on the other end of the spectrum doing a science exam I'm going to be kind to myself and create.....