2014: A Big Scary Year

2014 was always going to be the "big year" in the sense I'd be graduating and leaving home. The reason it's now become scarier than originally thought is that before Christmas I left uni (just my honours year, still have a BA in Visual Communication!). There are lots of reasons for this but some of the more important ones are that I wasn't learning what I wanted, and to learn on top of jumping through marking criteria hoops meant no time for experimenting, real client work or Bottled Treasures. Truth be told, I've felt it's been holding me back and that 4th year just isn't right for what I want to do. After making that decision and telling everyone (no one hates me, it's ok) I've spent the last couple of weeks taking a Christmas break to reflect and plan what I want to achieve myself over the next 6 months of what would have been my last semester.

Now for the fun bit! Instead of resolutions this new year I've written down my personal and career aims, quite simply where I want to be in 6 months time when it'll almost be time for me to get ready to move to our wee cottage in Falkland (Fife). I've got some evening classes booked, design jobs lined up, big plans for Bottled Treasures and ideas for more inspiring social media - including this blog. Sunday is going to be blog day and each month I'm aiming to do 4 posts, one each of the following:

- DIY: craft projects, recpies etc

- WIP: previews, sketchbooks, new designs

- Places: day trips, adventures, holidays

- Wish Lists: gifts, purchases, dreams

Here is the first, apologies for the giant introduction; I wasn't sure how else to explain!
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January: Gift List

Since it's January and Christmas is over I can finally share some of the lovely handmade gifts I bought for others, along with a few of the presents I was given.

1. 365 days of Inspiration. David got me this thoughtful little book, perfect for someone leaving art school who needs to stay inspired... 

2. Sarah Coonan Ceramics: My 100% Handmade secret santa sent me the blue tartan heart brooch, I love it and so did my sister, so it was lucky I was bad and opened my present early enough to order Amy a red one as part of her Christmas. 

3. Whimsical Lush Print: For my brother, it's so tricky buying handmade gifts for boys! 

4. Leah Carroll Laser Cut Brooch: My Mum got me this at a craft fair in Dundee. Love the little bow detail!

 5. Notebook & Craft Tool Holder: David's Mum & Dad made me these adorable personalised gifts. The notebook is currently filled with my big 2014 plans.
6. Crafty Giraffe Paper Cut: We ordered these customised cuts for a few people this Christmas. This one was for David's sister Emma (Fairytale Asylum)

7. Doodlestuff Doodleclips: Fun and funky, these hair clips were a wee stocking filler for my Mum. Jilly who makes them (not me, another Jilly - how unusual!) does lots of fab quirky brooches. 

8. Ceramic Houses by HodgePodge Arts: From my Dad to my Mum with a little help from me. 

9. Velvet ribbon candle: From my secret santa, Ashleigh. I can't remember the scent name but it was something floraly and moss - smells so good and fresh and looks perfect on my desk.