Words of Wisdom - Small Steps

It has been quite a while since I last blogged - time has definitely slipped away from me!
This weeks Words of Wisdom were actually posted by someone I follow on Pinterest and I loved it.
I have just started teaching a community learning/adult education/night school class at a local high school in crochet. It's all very exciting and I'm very lucky to have a class of awesome ladies. 
For me, this is one more step along my journey towards my ultimate dream of making crochet and craft a full time career.  I'm definitely not there yet and, sometimes, I find it frustrating that I can't just skip to the completed end goal.  I have to remind myself that every step I take is one closer to where I was before.
For my students, all eager to master crochet, they have had to learn to walk before they run (or chain before they treble crochet!) Learning anything new can, at times, be frustrating as you know what you want to be able to do but aren't quite there yet. You have to take those small steps and build them slowly.
So this week, whatever you are aiming for in your life, remember that all the small steps are 1 step closer to where you are going.
Until next time,
Sarah x

Words of Wisdom

This weeks Words of Wisdom have great meaning for me and, I've had to keep telling myself that things will work out in the end regularly this past week. 
I am in an exciting, but also pretty scary place at the moment.  Choosing to give up a full time job as a teacher to work as a supply teacher, private tutor and, the biggy, to be a business woman and grow The Gingerbread Bunny, was a massive leap.  This week, it's hit home like a sledge hammer that I no longer have a very regular income to pay the bills at the end of the month.  Also, I'm still waiting for my CRB to come back for the 3 supply agencies I've registered with - this means I can't work until they come back.  In addition, I have absolutley no idea how much work I'm going to get or how frequent my work will be - eeek.  I don't regret my decision at all - my job has made me very ill for a good number of years now and there came a point where I had to decide if it was worth it anymore and whether my job was more important than my health and happiness.  I chose health and happiness.

I keep reading this quote to remind me that my decision was worth it and, even when times are tough, I need to keep trying!  It's also a great quote to keep reading with regards all of those New Year's Resolutions we've all made.

Until next time

Sarah x

Words of Wisdom

I love quotes.  I find them really inspirational. They are also a great stimulus for my art journaling and really get me thinking, writing and creating.

One of my crafty New Year's resolutions is to blog more regulalry.  Aspects of my life have prevented me from doing this as fully as I could over the past few months so, to get me back into the swing of things, I am starting 2 new regular features - one of these being Words of Wisdom!

Every Sunday I will be posting a quote of the week to get us all reflecting and thinking.  I may also add other 'bits' to go with it such as photo's or journaling - I'm pretty flexible on this and so you could get just about anything.  I would also love it if you, my awesome followers, would comment and share your thoughts and ideas through the comments section and by linking back to your own blog or page - I'd love to see what you are all up to!

I know it's not Sunday, but being the first day of 2013, I felt that a quote would be appropriate.  This week's quote is:

Image courtesy of mymdsdesigns.blogspot.com

Ok, so not quite a quote but pertinent to the start of a New Year.  For me, I am starting a new chapter in my life with a change of direction with regards my career.  I see the start of a New Year as the start of a new chapter and an opportunity to set some goals for the year ahead.  I avoid the traditional resolutions of lose weight, give up alcohol etc etc and prefer to be more positive and look at the things I would like to do. 

How do you want your 'new chapter' to begin?

Until next time,

Sarah x

P.S - Happy New Year!

Out with the old and in with the new



(Photo courtesy of anniemandbenc on Flickr)

I can't believe that it is New Years Eve 2012!  I'm not the biggest fan of New Year (I'm much more of a Christmas girl) but I do like the opportunity to spend a bit of time reflecting on what the past 12 months have bought and thinking about what I want the following year to bring.

2012

2012 has been a funny old year for me. 

Personally, it's been quite a tough year for me and I've made some pretty massive decisions about my life.  In fact, today is officially my last day in my current job as a full time primary school teacher (I'm not going to go into details now, that is for a future post!) The decision was a hard one but one I am extremley happy with.  I will be working as a supply teacher for a while, as well as continuing with my private tutoring - which I love.  I will also be able to devote more time to The Gingerbread Bunny, which I am really excited about.

The Gingerbread Bunny has continued to grow. I've developed some new designs and my funky applique clothing line as well as teaching more workshops and selling at a few events. 


Last year I set myself 2 crafty resolutions:

1:  To learn how to do Tunisian crochet.  I saw Holly (who has started a crafty blog - check it out) doing some Tunisian crochet and the final effect is gorgeous.  

I'm pleased to report that I have been learning the basic tunisian crochet stitch thanks to the beautiful shawls designed by Aoibhe Ni.  I have made a couple of Pax Shawls, for me and as gifts, and made the Elderflower tunisian crochet hat.  I have actually just ordered a set of hooks and a book so that I can get to grips with more stitches next year. 


2: I also what to attend more workshops next year.  I have already enroled on the next Textiles course at night school for this term and am really looking forward to it.  I really want to go on a dressmaking course and definitley need to get myself booked onto another art journaling workshop at Art from the Heart in Harrogate!

I started the year with a textiles course at night school - where I made my patchwork crochet bag.  Then I took a big leap and enrolled on a City and Guilds Textiles Level 1 Course (through felt) with Arty Bird in Carnforth.  I have to say, it is one of the best things I've done in ages and I love it.  I'm really looking forward to this years weekends and am hoping to stay on to do level 2. I did enrol on a dressmaking course but, unfortunatley, this was cancelled due to the ill health of the tutor. 

2013

So, what do I want 2013 to bring?  In terms of my life in general I have but one goal:

(Photo cortesy of coffeecupsandraybans on tumblr)

Being happy, in all aspect of my life, is extremley important to me so I'm going to make sure that I do things that make me happy (not what will make others happy but me miserable!)  If I'm happy, then those closest to me will also be happy.

2013 Crafty Goals

Following the success of 2012's crafty goals, I'm going to set myself a few more for 2013.

1. To sew myself a skirt!
I have the most beautiful Amy Butler fabric in my stash which is just crying out to be made into a skirt.  2013 is the year I learn to make a skirt (with the help of a few friends).

2.  To develop The Gingerbread Bunny through: a website, teaching workshops and selling at craft fairs.
2012 has seen The Gingerbread Bunny grow and I want to see that continue into 2013.

3. To blog regularly.
I am aware that I have neglected my blog over the past few months and I want to remedy this in 2013.  I love my blog and, unfortunatley, life got in the way.  I have so much to share with you all and want to make sure I do this.  I've 'borrowed' a few ideas from blogs I love to follow as well as developing some of my own.  New features include a WIP Wednesday post (Work's in Progress) and an Inspirational Quote of the Week on a Sunday (although the first will be tomorrow!) as well as other exciting book reviews and other crafty goodies dotted around during the week.  Hopefully, by adding some structure to my blogging, you will get to read more.


All that leaves me to do is to wish you all a Happy New Year where ever you are and however you like to see it in.  This year, me and Mr Bunny will be enjoying a Lord of the Rings marathon with a few cheeky drinks and nibbles.