#CraftBlogClub Challenge ~ crafty resolutions....

It's time for our first #CraftBlogClub challenge of 2017!

The challenge is.... "Crafty Resolutions".

Following the popularity of this challenge in previous years, we thought it would be perfect to start 2017 challenging you to learn a new craft or technique.

Whatever craft you want to learn this challenge is hopefully the motivation to get you started.  Alternatively, you may have received a new craft tool/machine for Christmas that you still need to take out the box, it's time to get it out and give it a go!

As it is a new craft/technique and the thought of having to complete a project may be terrifying. Don't worry, the whole point of the challenge is to have fun learning a new skill and if you don't have a completed project we still want to see your work in progress.

If you don't have time to learn a new craft or don't have one in mind, why not go back to something you haven't done in a while? Dust off those sewing machines / crochet hooks / knitting needles / paint brushes etc and get crafting.

Anyone can join in the challenge, don't worry If you've never joined a #CraftBlogClub chat before, everyone is welcome!

The Rules....

• Challenge;
• Learn a new craft, or,
• Try a new technique within a craft you already enjoy, or,
• Pick up a craft you haven't done in a long time.

• We will be revealing our makes in our Twitter chat on 14th March 2017 and If you have a blog also present your lovely project in a blog post by this date.
• Please mention #CraftBlogClub in your blog post and link back to this page.
• Let us know how you’re doing throughout the challenge on Twitter. Don't forget to use our #CraftBlogClub hashtag.

I hope you will join in and I can't wait to see what everyone makes!!...

Psst.... If you don't know what #CraftBlogClub is and you like the sound of this challenge, we'd love you to join in and you can find out more here.

2017 Goals....

It's that time of year to plan and think about what you want to achieve in the year ahead. I'm taking my experiences and lessons from 2016 to make 2017 a great year for me and my business, so this is what I have planned....

This blog

• I'll go back to posting weekly with more tutorials in 2017.
• Write everyday. This will help keep on top of all the posts I want to write but also improve my writing, practice makes perfect! I worry this may not be realistic but I'm planning to fit in 15 minutes every day whilst having my morning coffee.
• Start my #100fizzijaynepatterns challenge inspired by #100dayofpatternsCBC. I will be designing and creating my own patterns.  It's not a 100 day challenge, I don't want to put myself under that sort of pressure but through the course of 2017 I will create 100 patterns using various techniques. I'm really excited about starting this and seeing how I develop creatively.

My business 

• Start teaching craft workshops. I want to share my passion and knowledge to help others have a creative lifestyle. I'm in the early stages of planning and sourcing locations in my local area at the moment but hope to start these in Spring.
• Regularly list products into my Folksy shop, at least 10 per month.
• Launch new products and designs. 
• Following the success of selling through No3 Royston I want to find another stockist in 2017.

To help me plan and to actually achieve these goals I am following the 100 Day Goal and using the Your Best Year 2017: Productivity Workbook and Creative Business Planner

Personal

I need to have a better work/life balance, so I will take time off when I need it, I just need to work on not feeling guilty and be able to switch fizzi~jayne off once in a while! 

I want to....

• Read more. I have a pile of fiction as well as business development books I want to read.
• I started to practice calligraphy last year and this year I want to try out brush lettering.
• Sketch more. I want to make time to just doodle and improve my drawing skills.
• Learn German. I did a year of German at school and was actually quite good at it but due to timetable clashes I chose to continue in French and Art. I always wanted to go back to it and I've been recommended the App Duolingo which I'm finding really easy to fit into my day. I feel a trip to Germany needs to be planned for this year!
• If nothing else, I need to start believing in myself more and not put any limits on what I can achieve.

Overall I want a healthy, happy and creative 2017. 

Disclaimer: The Amazon links in this post are affiliated.

New Year Crafty Resolution ~ Calligraphy....

I launched a new #CraftBlogClub challenge back in January and the topic was simple, to learn a new craft or technique.  A perfect excuse to get out the beautiful calligraphy starter kit that my lovely friend Sarah gave me for my birthday and make a start on my crafty resolution.

I also have this book that I bought a while ago to help me get started.

So here are my first attempts at calligraphy....

Using the book I followed the advice of making different pen strokes first.

I kept smudging the ink.  It can take a while to dry especially if you make thick lines.

Using the guide that came with the kit, I traced the letters to practice writing them individually and then I traced my name.

Here it is freehand underneath.

Once I had finished the paper that came with the kit I bought a calligraphy pad.  I did try using a layout pad but the ink bled.  The calligraphy paper is beautiful, it's like the old fashioned parchment paper, I feel like I should be writing important letters or thoughtful poetry with it!

I started to practice more freehand using the book for guidance.

I started to feel comfortable and started to write words, without drawing guide lines first, I know I'm a maverick!

I haven't got a finished piece, but that's not what the challenge is about, I'll keep practising and keep posting updates on my progress.

Have you started a new craft this year? I can't wait to see what everyone has created and how you have got on with this challenge.  If you have written a blog post please add the link to the linky below so everyone can have a look, this is the fun bit of the challenge, seeing what you have all made. Don't worry if you haven't posted it yet, the linky will be open for the next 3 weeks.

In tomorrow night's #CraftBlogClub chat we'll be talking about this challenge and sharing photos of what we have done. I hope you will join us at 7pm (GMT, 15th March) over on Twitter, it doesn't matter if you haven't joined us before, we are a friendly bunch and welcome new crafters every week.

fizzi~jayne x

A #CraftBlogClub challenge launch....

It's time for our first #CraftBlogClub challenge of 2016!

The challenge is.... "Crafty Resolutions".

Following our chat last week about our New Year's resolutions, and the popularity of last year's challenge, we thought it would be perfect to start 2016 challenging you to learn a new craft or technique. 

Whatever craft you want to learn this challenge is hopefully the motivation to get you started.  Alternatively, you may have received a new craft tool/machine for Christmas that you still need to take out the box, it's time to get it out and give it a go!

As it is a new craft/technique and the thought of having to complete a project may be terrifying. Don't worry, the whole point of the challenge is to have fun learning a new skill and if you don't have a completed project we still want to see your work in progress.

Anyone can join in the challenge, don't worry If you've never joined a #CraftBlogClub chat before, anyone who wants to try a new craft are welcome!

The Rules....

• We will be revealing our makes in our Twitter chat on 15th March 2016 and If you have a blog also present your lovely project in a blog post by this date.
• Please mention #CraftBlogClub in your blog post and link back to this page.
• There will be a linky set up on THIS BLOG to showcase your blog posts and please take some time to have a look at the other posts, it’s lovely to see some of the amazing creativity we have in our #CraftBlogClub!
• Let us know how you’re doing throughout the challenge on Twitter and Facebook. Don't forget to use our #CraftBlogClub hashtag to keep up to date on Twitter.

I hope you will join in and I can't wait to see what everyone makes!!...

fizzi~jayne x

Psst.... If you don't know what #CraftBlogClub is and you like the sound of this challenge, we'd love you to join in and you can find out more here.

well hello 2016, have I got plans for you!....

2015 was a great year that flew by! Last year was another busy learning curve and I feel really positive about the goals I have for this year. I plan to take steps for it to be a great year for my business as well as myself....

My business

• I am taking part in The 100 Day Goal by the Business Bakery to grow my business online. Last year I started work to grow my business online, which saw the launch of my website. Towards the end of the year other areas of my business went crazy, I was busy with craft fairs and the success of my first stockist took me by surprise.  So I am using the 100 Day Goal to get back on track.  It's not too late if you want to join in, all the details are here.
• I plan to develop new products.
• I want to start teaching workshops later this year (this will be my second 100 day goal of the year).
• I want to improve my product photography. I got a new lens for Christmas which I'm excited about experimenting with.  I want to understand and learn more about the technical side of photography to be able to take beautiful photos of my products.

This blog

• I made a start on fizzi~fun friday.... last year but I want to reinstate it to grow my creativity so I don't get stuck in a rut. So the plan is every other week on a Friday, I will take the day to experiment with new techniques and crafts, as well as revisiting old favourites that I always complain I never have the time to do.
• I want to share more craft tutorials but I will also continue to share book reviews, my business top tips as well as any behind the scenes and fun days out you might enjoy.

Personal

• I need to save money and when I do spend money I want to spend it on fun days out rather than buying stuff I don't need. I believe experiences make you happier than things and also make you an interesting person with stories to tell. Getting out and about will also fuel my creativity.
• I want to learn the art of calligraphy.  I have dabbled with it before but as it has become more popular recently, I've seen the beautiful pieces of art created from it and I want to be able to do it too, hopefully! My lovely friend Sarah bought me a starter kit for my birthday so I have the gear and a book to get me started.
• I still need to lose weight but I'm not going to stress about what I haven't lost and instead focus on my running and eating healthier.  I'll be running another 10km later this month and I plan to apply for the Great North Run when the ballot opens although with a lot of trepidation!
• I want to achieve a better work life balance. It's not easy to achieve this when your hobby becomes your business and you work from home. I never switch off which isn't necessarily a problem as I love what I do.  I am grateful that I get to do what I love everyday but I need to make sure I don't burn out and I get to spend some quality time with friends and family. So I'll make sure I have one day off at the weekend as a complete work free zone (ideally two days, work load permitting) and make sure I have 21 days off a year (which is the minimum legal holiday entitlement in the UK when you work full time).

So they are my plans for a creative, healthy and happy 2016!

Source 

Have you any new year goals? I'd love to hear about them and we can encourage each another. If you have blogged about them leave me a link in the comments, I'd love to read them.

fizzi~jayne x

#CraftBlogClub Challenge Reveal....

It's time for another #CraftBlogClub challenge reveal! Full details of this challenge can be found here but to summarise the theme was a "New Craft for the New Year!"

There were suggestions on how this could be interpreted in the launch post and although there are a lot of new crafts I want to try as well as learn new techniques within the crafts I already enjoy, I chose to get to grips with a new craft machine I got for Christmas. Let me introduce you to Camilla.....

I am a very lucky girl to get this machine, isn't she a beauty?!

Camilla is my Silhouette Cameo.  For those who have not come across this machine before, it is a digital cutting machine which can cut a variety of materials, including, but not exclusive to, cardstock, fabric, adhesive vinyl and heat transfer material.

By using the software you can create your own designs or purchase designs from their store. I am so excited about my new toy as it will unlock so many ideas I have, I even have the potential to make my own stamps!

Cutting is not the only thing it can do, by replacing the blade with pens it can draw designs instead.

I have a lot to learn and so many ideas to try but the past few weeks have been mainly getting to know Camilla and her software, and cutting lots of random shapes in different thicknesses of card. 

I love fonts and started playing around with them and used this one for an order for a birthday card....

The MUM tag was created on the Silhouette and the "waste" from the tag was used for this Mother's Day card....

Once I started to feel more comfortable with the software I created my own design, it's a simple one using shapes to create a sun stencil.  I'm loving stencils at the moment to create backgrounds and I couldn't wait to get my hands on Silhouette's Stencil Material to make my own....

Once the stencil was cut out, I used distress inks in bright sunny colours over the stencil.

I mounted the background on to orange card

Using Camilla, I cut out the word "sunshine" in black card, which was part of a design that came free with the Silhouette.

I stamped "You Are My" in black ink and added floral buttons to embellish.

I'm obsessed with Wink of Stella pens and used the clear to add some sparkle to the letters.

So far I have only used Camilla for paper craft but I have vinyl to experiment with next and ideas for home décor, so watch this space....

Have you joined in with the challenge? What did you make?

If you have a blog post please add the link to the linky below so everyone can have a look, this is the fun bit of the challenge, seeing what you have all made.

fizzi~jayne x

#CraftBlogClub's 1st Challenge of 2015....

It's time for our first #CraftBlogClub challenge of 2015!

The challenge is.... "A New Craft for the New year"

This can be interpreted in two ways....

1. This challenge is perfect if 2015 is the year you want to learn a new craft. Whatever craft you want to learn this challenge is perfect to get you started.

2. Or if like me, you don't have the time, space or funds for a new craft in your life, why not take an already loved craft to the next level.  This is an opportunity to learn new techniques for example:

Crochet -  Why not try a new stitch such as Broomstick Crochet or have a go at Amigurumi?

Sewing - Maybe you make clothes but fancy trying quilting or you could use a fabric you've never used before.

Papercraft - Maybe you have always made cards but fancy trying scrapbooking.

Jewellery making - Have you always been a beader but want to try wire work?

Alternatively, you may have received a new craft tool/machine for Christmas that you still need to take out the box, it's time to get it out and give it a go!

The Reveal....

We will be revealing our makes in our Twitter chat on 17th March and If you have a blog also present your lovely project in a blog post by this date.

As it is a new craft/technique and the thought of having to complete a project may be terrifying. Don't worry, the whole point of the challenge is to have fun learning a new craft/technique and if you don't have a completed project we still want to see your work in progress.

There will be a linky set up on THIS BLOG to showcase your blog posts and do take some time to have a look at the other posts, it’s lovely to see some of the amazing creativity we have in our #CraftBlogClub!

Let us know how you’re doing throughout the challenge on Twitter and Facebook. Don't forget to use our #CraftBlogClub hashtag to keep up to date on Twitter.

I hope you will join in and I can't wait to see what everyone makes!!...

fizzi~jayne x

Psst.... If you don't know what #CraftBlogClub is and you like the sound of this challenge, we'd love you to join in and you can find out more here.

Lets do this 2015!....

So the past week has been time to catch up on the dull but necessary admin but I distracted myself by deciding what my goals will be for fizzi~jayne in 2015.  

I use the word goal instead of resolution, as goals need a plan of attack to make them happen and I need a plan otherwise I will have the same list in 2016!

I won't bore you with the details of my plans but I find having a list of tasks/steps needed to achieve a goal helps you break down a big task into smaller chunks that you can cross off, so you feel you are achieving as you work towards it. Well, that's the theory.

Anyway, here are my 2015 goals....

Organise my admin ~ Having spent a week under a pile of paper to sort out my tax return I now have a process in place that I need to stick to and keep on top of so by next January it's not so stressful.

Less procrastination ~ I want to be more efficient with my time and be able to do everything I need to as well as have time to develop creatively and as a business. I should read my own post from last year about time management! I found a great article on procrastination and I need to practice what it suggests!

Online ~ 2014 was a huge and exciting learning curve and I had great success with craft fairs and bespoke orders. My focus this year is to relaunch my online shops and grow that side of my business.

Blog ~ The survey I ran last year has really helped my plan for this blog.  I have planned more tutorials and techniques and I hope to show you more of behind the scenes as well as continuing with the types of posts you enjoy.

I have some personal goals too....

Read more ~ I love getting comfy with a cuppa and a good book to get lost in or learn from but I don't make enough time to read.  So I plan to read for at least 30 minutes every day and I have signed up for the Good Reads reading challenge.

Crafting ~ I am not planning to learn any more new crafts, I don't think I have the time, money or space for them!  Instead I want to learn more techniques and develop creatively in the crafts I already love. 

Lose weight ~  I've gained a lot of pounds since working from home! Weight loss is a common goal for January but I don't fit most of my clothes which is a problem so I have to do it! I have a friend's wedding as a target date and a dress in my wardrobe to wear when I am a healthier weight.

I haven't got a crazy long list as that would just look scary and unachievable, instead I'm focused on the important things which will help with my time management!

What are your goals/plans/resolutions for 2015? I'd love to hear about them and we can encourage each another. If you have blogged about them leave me a link in the comments, I'd love to read them.

fizzi~jayne x

I'm a member of running club to help with my weight loss goal and weather is not an excuse! This was on New Year's Eve.

Nice knowing you 2014....

This time of year I can't help but be reflective.  A blog is a great way to remind you what you have done, I had forgotten some of the things I've been up to!

You've probably seen a hundred of these types of posts but hopefully like me you enjoy reading them, so here is my look back over the last 12 months and my blog's highlights from 2014....

New Craft of 2014 ~ Crochet

One of my New Year Resolutions for 2014 was to learn to Crochet and I am hooked! Excuse the pun, but I am addicted and I now always have a crochet project on the go.  At first I didn't think I would ever get my head around it but after a few weeks of perseverance I started to understand what I was doing and more importantly enjoy it, now there is no stopping me!

#CraftBlogClub

I started the year as one of the new co-hosts on the #CraftBlogClub which has been a lot of fun and a great opportunity to get to know other crafters and bloggers and I have to say we are a great bunch!

I always look forward to our weekly chats but I equally enjoy the challenges too.  

Challenges ~ Relove Me / Spring Clean Swap / Winter Challenge part 1 and part 2

I still use the pen pot I made and the teapot cosy given to me by Emma as part of the Spring Clean Swap. 

We've discussed some useful topics and I've shared some of these top tips from the chats....

Selling your crafts
Blogging Hints and tips
Photography hints and tips

and I got to meet my lovely co hosts 

Not such a great picture of me on the left! Emma is in the middle and Katie is on the right

Out and About

I made sure I got out of the craft den to meet other creative folk and attended small business conferences.  It has been lovely to meet and learn from other small business owners and meet virtual friends in reality. 

One of the highlights had to be when David Cameron unexpectedly turned up to the Home Business Conference! No matter what your political views are, I still think it is pretty cool to have the Prime Minster turn up to speak at a conference I was attending.

Photography Season

In July I ran a Photography season.  This included the first guest post on my blog from a professional offering hints and tips and I made my debut as a guest blogger over on Frugally Peachy showing you how to make a light tent. 

The Year of the Craft Fair

I have attended a lot of craft fairs this year to find the right ones for me....
(click on the images to read more about them)

New Milton Spring Craft Fair - The first fair of 2014

My first time at Harpenden

Another first at Little Fox, Rickmansworth

Back at the Little Fox and New Milton craft fairs in Autumn

Christmas Craft Fairs

It was a mixed bag of success but I am pleased for the experiences as I know which ones to return to next year.  Expect me back at The Little Fox in Rickmansworth and I've already booked New Milton for April and October.  I hope there will be more in Royston and Radlett too.

Also the Year of Celebrations

The year was full of celebrations, I celebrated the first full year of being fizzi~jayne full time, fizzi~jayne makes turned 2 and my blog turned 1....

....and you told me what you love about my blog and what you would like to read more of in my survey.  I am so grateful for everyone who took the time to complete this survey and leave lovely comments which were really motivating. It's good to know that there are people out there reading my blog and enjoying it.  THANK YOU!!

The Most Popular Blog Post this Year was....

.... Christmas Card Peg and String Tutorial 

You can check out other popular posts from my blog in the side bar *points to the right* (if you are reading the web version).

Right, that's it for 2014, I hope you have enjoyed my highlights.

What were your best bits of 2014? If you have shared them on your blog leave a link below so I can check them out....

Thank you to all my readers and supporters of my blog, I am so grateful for you all popping by to read my ramblings and I hope you will continue to enjoy what I have planned for next year!

Wishing you all health and happiness for 2015!

Happy New Year

fizzi~jayne x

It's March already?!?!....

It only feels like yesterday I was planning my new year resolutions.  February picked up for me with orders and I am busy developing new ideas, some will go into production some will be a learning curve! 

Mother's Day Work In Progress

I found time to leave my craft den for a day and went to my first trade show at the NEC in Birmingham, back to my homeland! I am from the Midlands originally, not Brum itself but a town outside. I moved down south for work but it is always nice to be in the area and hear my midlands twang creep back.

I had a badge, proof I am a professional!!

It was interesting to go to this event and see what it was all about, I saw some small businesses who were happy to speak to little ole me but a lot of stalls for paper craft were retailer focused.  If you use fabric this is a must go as there are loads of stalls, you just have to be aware of minimum order quantities which can be based on price and/or metres.  It was useful to see the latest and up & coming trends.  It is a free event so I will go to the Autumn Craft, Hobby & Stitch International at the ExCeL, with more focus of what I want to get out of the event.

Also in Feb, I have signed up for Basic Accounts, an online course to get my head around the numbers part of the business.  This was a Groupon offer for £19 so it seemed silly not to do it.  Hopefully a day will come when I can afford an accountant! 

I feel like a proper entrepreneur now with visiting trade shows and doing accounts! I need to manage my time better to fit in more product development,maybe I should read my own post about time management!!

Before I go, did you know that March is National Craft Month?! To celebrate I will be teaching my husband paper craft and helping him to make his Mother's Day card! He has often said he isn't creative and couldn't do what I do.  He is more scientific and mathematical (which will come in use when I need help with my accounts!) but I believe that anyone can enjoy craft!

Will you do anything to celebrate National Craft Month?

fizzi~jayne  x

Savvy crafting, a new me for 2014.....

In my post about my plan for 2014, one of my challenges for this year is to use up the craft supplies I have before buying any new ones.  This was inspired from reading Mary Emmens' blog about how she is not going to buy fabric for 6 months. 

As a general rule I will not be buying any new....

• Card (I have loads of various colours and scraps to use up)
• Stamps (I have 4 drawers full! So I should have enough for any occasion)
• Ribbon (Love ribbon!)
• Buttons (I have a button addiction!)

Love my ribbon box, although it doesn't hold all of my ribbon!

I have tended to buy any of the above because “I have to have it!”.  But things need to change as money is tighter this year plus I am running fizzi~jayne as a proper business now.

Firstly I need to have a stock take so I know what I actually have and then use what I have before I buy anything else. I will probably find things I have forgotten about.

However I still have a business to run, so there are exceptions:

• If I need something for a specific order
• If I run out of the basics, i.e. white card, glue etc. The essentials I can’t craft without.
• I am also working on a project for one of my favourite craft suppliers, Handy Hippo, (watch this space!) so I will need supplies for this. 

Not only will there be financial benefits but it should challenge my creativity.

After 6 months I will see how I have got on and see how much therapy I will need!!  Wish me luck!

Did you make any New Year resolutions?  How are they going?