Blogtacular 2017....

Image (c) Amber-Rose Photography / Blogtacular

Last month I attended Blogtacular for the first time and it was amazing!  So before I tell you all about the weekend, what is Blogtacular? 

"Blogtacular is the place for people whose hearts beat with creativity to come together to meet, share and inspire."

It's not just for bloggers, it's for small businesses/entrepreneurs that have an online presence.

The past few years I read everyone's posts about Blogtacular and wishing I had been there but I was put off by the price.  The more I read about it and how people go year after year I decided to take the plunge and invest in myself and I am so glad I did. It is worth every single penny and this is why....

My tribe 
This was the ethos of the event, the creative community. The goody bag says it all....

Image (c) Amber-Rose Photography / Blogtacular

It was great being with creative people who get you and understand when you say you're a blogger, no explanation needed! 

Meeting lots of like minded people was definitely a highlight for me.  I got to meet people who I admire and follow on social media as well as catch up with friends I already know and make new ones.

There were lots of opportunities to socialise on the day of the conference but they also had fringe events on the Friday which were a great way to get to know people.  There were simultaneous photowalks and a videowalk across London. I went on the photowalk in East London around Shoreditch, there'll be another blog post with all my photos from this but in the meantime you can check out the hashtag #Blogtacularphotowalkeast on Instagram.

On Friday night there was a get together at West Elm which if you have not been is an amazing shop selling unique furniture and home decor.  This was a time to chat, mingle and drink unicorn smoothies! I actually didn't get to try the smoothie as there was a huge queue for them so I stuck to the cider that was on offer, that's more my thing anyway.

Image (c) Amber-Rose Photography / Blogtacular

There were opportunities to discuss various topics in groups.
Image (c) Amber-Rose Photography / Blogtacular

Unicorn smoothie!
Image (c) Amber-Rose Photography / Blogtacular

It was an early 8:30am start on the day of the conference but we were welcomed with pastries and decent coffee, this was a good sign that it was going to be a good day! 

There were three sessions of workshops with a choice of four for each one but I didn't miss out, all of the sessions were filmed so we can access them at a later date. What a relief as it was hard to choose but before the workshops we were welcomed with a keynote by Natalie Lue....

Natalie Lue ~ @baggagereclaim / @natlue
Image (c) Amber-Rose Photography / Blogtacular

Natalie delivered lots of positive messages and shared her pearls of wisdom....

"Creativity can't be controlled. Be open, let it go!"

"Take Action - Nothing is Perfect"

"Your Plan is not THE Plan"

A moment of clarity and reassurance came when Natalie started talking about how nothing is linear. "By doing A then B and C does not mean X,Y and Z will happen". This is so true, it can be so frustrating when you do all the right things and the outcome you planned for doesn't happen!  It's just the way it is sometimes and it happens to everyone at some point.

Natalie's address has made me really look at what I want from my business not what I think I should be doing.  I need to believe more in what I do. 

What impressed me about all the speakers was they inspired and shared their knowledge without a sales pitch or talking about themselves. The sessions were jam packed with useful information.

Workshops

My first session was creative writing, can you tell?!

Greta Solomon ~ @greta_solomon / @Greta.Solomon
Image (c) Amber-Rose Photography / Blogtacular

Greta shared brilliant techniques to use and we had an opportunity to practice them in the session.  This was helpful for any type of writing and will help me find my style as well as help with product descriptions.

Next up for me was storytelling through Instagram...

Katy English ~ @MissKatyEnglish / @misskatyenglish
Image (c) Amber-Rose Photography / Blogtacular

This has made me take a step back and look at my overall brand and how I communicate with you all across social media. It turns out I don't need to put everything on Instagram!  By sticking to 2 or 3 themes not only is my feed consistent but it's easier to manage. Everything else can go on stories which I have been using a lot more since.

The other workshop I chose to attend was on self doubt....

Sas Petherick ~ @saspetherick
Image (c) Amber-Rose Photography / Blogtacular

“Self doubt has absolutely nothing to do with your capability”.

OMG! This workshop was designed for me! I am frequently consumed by self doubt which can lead to anxiety.  Sas's thoughts on self doubt were so insightful and the exercises she took us through really helped me understand what my fears and self doubt mean. 

The group was great as everyone was sharing their stories and fears (even I had a go on the microphone!). It turns out I'm not alone in the self doubt camp.  I'm thinking of doing a post dedicated to this, what do you think?

Closing Keynote was by Emma Gannon.....

Emma Gannon ~ @emmagannon / @emmagannonuk
Image (c) Amber-Rose Photography / Blogtacular

Emma talked about the current climate and how blogging is not just about the blog anymore. It’s about creating a platform, and using that platform for other things. 

We are a generation of more than one skill, Emma is a Blogger / Podcaster / Author, I'm a Designer / Maker / Blogger / Small Business owner, what are you?

Image (c) Amber-Rose Photography / Blogtacular

Attention to detail

I loved the attention to detail, the amount of hard work and thought that was put in to make sure it was a quality, enjoyable event.  Even in the run up to the event the emails, Twitter chats and blog posts made me feel less nervous as a newbie and I knew what to expect.  

The venue was decorated by the talented B of Pop Pop Papier.  She filled the space with colourful balloons and streamers that were Intasgram-tastic! It even gave me the opportunity to finally update my profile picture. 

Image (c) Amber-Rose Photography / Blogtacular

Image (c) Amber-Rose Photography / Blogtacular

The food was amazing! Lets just take a minute to appreciate these amazing chocolate puddings we had at lunch....

Image (c) Amber-Rose Photography / Blogtacular

Image (c) Amber-Rose Photography / Blogtacular

I would never make a food blogger because I eat everything before taking any photos so you'll have to trust me on this, the food was amazing and there was plenty of it for breakfast, lunch and breaks.

We were even provided notebooks (this will make it easier to find my notes to refer back to in the future instead of trying to work out which notebook they are in!). My notebook was designed by Katie Moody and Cakes with Faces designed the other one, her website is worth checking out especially this t-shirt which I now own.

As we left we got a goody bag, the print was designed by Judy Andrews ad look at the goodies we got inside....

Goodies by Hello Memo, Craftiosity, Crafty Fox Market & Shopping with Soul, Twin Pines, Baking Time Club, Cult Vision and A Spoonful of Sugar Co alongside a Blogtacular planning notepad.

There was also a beautiful biscuit by Honeywell Bakes, and chocolate by Chococo,but they got eaten on the train on the way home, I told you I'd make a terrible food blogger!

I think this was the right event at the right time for me. I want to grow creatively as well as grow my business but I haven't felt confident to take the exciting but unknown path. The overall experience made me realise that I've given myself too many parameters to live and work by, but screw that!  It's time to go forth and chase those dreams.

Hopefully you are still with me, it's a lengthy post but I couldn't leave anything out!  
I can't wait for Blogtacular 2018, will I see you there?

This post contains photos by Amber-Rose Photography who were the professional photographers of the event and Blogtacular who have kindly allowed attendees to use them. I have credited the images that are not mine.

Day Out at the Tate Modern....

The other week I felt the need to venture out of the craft den in search of inspiration.  I went to the Tate Modern to see their extension, the Switch House which opened in June 2016. It's simply amazing and the day I went was beautiful, look how blue that sky is! Perfect conditions for photos.

The design is really impressive with latticed brickwork and folded surfaces. 

I went to the viewing gallery first and I couldn't have picked a better day to view London in its glory. 

I spent a while up there taking in the views as well as taking these photos.

View of St Paul's

The Shard with the city skyline in the background

Patterns in the brickwork with the sunlight beaming through. I'm still seeing patterns everywhere after the #100DaysofPatternCBC challenge.

Blackfriars rail bridge over the Thames

I went around the galleries scribbling ideas in my sketchbook. In one room I 
spent time just doodling and didn't worry about the end result of my sketch, as you can tell!

In this sketch there are 4 pieces of art represented, the backs of 3 people and a hat!

I was inspired by the Gerhard Richter collection 'Cage' on display.  He worked on these paintings whilst listening to the music of John Cage.  This got me thinking of how music can influence your work. I'm going to play around with this idea and with a paintbrush in hand I will listen to different music and see what happens.  It may be one big mess but it will be fun to see what happens.

A souvenir for the craft den wall.

Art Deco London Photowalk....

A few weeks ago I went on a photo walk organised by the talented and lovely Kate of Made by Mrs M.   Kate used this map of Art Deco London and planned the trip around some of the Underground stations on it.

We all met at Rayners Lane, there were 6 of us, I only knew Laura (of Bugs and Fishes) who I've met up with before on fun days out and it was lovely to meet the others.

Rayners Lane Underground Station

I used the opportunity to practice with my DSLR on manual and I have to say I was pretty impressed with my photos, I think I have finally cracked manual, woo hoo!

Our first photo opportunity was the Zoroastrian Centre near Rayners Lane Tube Station.  I had not come across Zoroatrianism before but apparently it is one of the oldest religions in the world. Originally this Art Deco building was built in 1938 as a cinema.

Next stop Sudbury Hill....

We walked form Sudbury Hill to Sudbury Town Underground Station. We came across this view of London along the way

We also found a derelict building, it's a shame to see businesses close and buildings being unused but they do make interesting photos....

Sudbury Town has a beautiful, old ticket office.  It's great that they have kept this piece of history in the station, even thought it's no longer used.

Sudbury Town rail tracks

Sudbury Town Signals

Next stop Park Royal

I loved this photo of the station, with it's classic Art Deco architecture and the perfect timing of a train....

I love a good quote!

This was outside of the station, I loved the pattern of the iron work.

On to Chiswick Park....

I think this is my favourite photo of the day. 

At Hounslow West, the platform wasn't much to be inspired by and we were surprised the map took us here but we went up to the station and it was a little gem!

This is my favourite, favourite photo of the day! Also a great photo for the #100DaysofPatternCBC challenge

Tile pattern on the walls

This became my favourite station of the trip. I wondered how many commuters look up and take the time to admire the beautiful ceiling and the history around them.

Osterley station is very close to Heathrow and on its flight path. When outside we saw a very low flying plane which would make a great photo opportunity, especially if it were a BA flight then the branding would match the underground (yes they fly that low). I took this photo of the group waiting for the next plane....

We only had to wait a minute but unfortunately it wasn't a BA plane....

Boston Manor was our last stop of the day....

I had such a fun day out with everyone. It was so interesting to take the time to look at these tube stations, it's so easy to take these places for granted when we are rushing about our daily business.  The tour takes in a lot of buildings in London, not just the tube stations we saw but we'd need another day or two to fit in everything.

You must check out some of the fantastic photos that everyone shared on Instagram by using the hashtag #madebymrsmphotowalk and you can check out Kate's blog post about the day here where you can also sign up for the next photowalk on 1st October 2016. This will take in the stations at the south end of the Northern Line (Clapham South to South Wimbledon). I hope to join Kate again for this so if you're interested as well please sign up and I'll hopefully see you there!