After a great end to 2014, came a quiet first few months you could say of 2015. I decided that this was going to be the year that I try and improve everything including my own self, health wise!
To make a long story short (for anyone who knows me well, yes I typed an essay of words below and since deleted it and here I'm trying to start it again but shortening it down by using the sentence ... to make a long story short!) Yes, so trying to keep this short I joined a walking group in January. Since August,I've been doing HIIT - High Intensity Interval Training which targets specific areas of my body depending on what I'm doing. And I'm enjoying that and I have made great progress and I'm planning on seeing it though into 2016 until I reach my target. So that was one goal ticked off my list.
Anyway, low and behold! It was taking forever but, I finally changed my website!!
In May, I launched my new website that I (pat myself on the back) created myself with the help of an online builder called Weebly. I was shocked with the amount of money professionals were quoting me and I don't know about others but it's great to change the content yourself without having to phone up and getting someone else to do so. I know people that have to get in contact with their website creator, every time they want something updated on their website and it can take a while. So after many a late night and trying to move the damn domain from one host to another which took a few days to do so, I finally went live in May. It's been on my mind for the past hmmm... two years! Long time. Yes it still needs re-tweaking here and there but it's great to have that done.
I also created new business cards that I also designed with the help of Vistaprint. All came out perfect, unlike the last company I went with. So I'll be sticking with Vistaprint, Moo (another company) was suggested to me but I decided to go my own way and choose the others. And I am thrilled with them.
Onto Press, my work was featured in both 'The Irish Times' Magazine in August and most recently 'Irish Tatler' the Christmas December Issue - the one with Laura Whitmore on the front cover.
All aspects of my own business is managed by myself, it's a challenge but I enjoy it!
I often get asked where do you find the time?
To answer that I'm not sure, I also manage (well since re-manage) not only my own Facebook & Twitter business pages but also both the same for Wexford Craft Trail. So trying to keep all happy including myself can be hard going but I enjoy that too!
Do I find time for my own work?
Yes!
I finished the year up by doing two Christmas Craft Fairs, one at 'Springmount Garden Centre' and one at 'Wexford Arts Centre'. Both went well despite the weather. Springmount faired to be the best of the two. But both were enjoyable and it was lovely to meet new people. It was fun! :)
I know I'm probably leaving out other stuff but I think the above were the main key things that I achieved this year, oh and to add a new stockist to my list in November ... long may it grow!
2016 NEWS: There will be a shake up from about March. Up until then I'll be less active online and then hit you with new stuff! If you think I'm done with Christmas decorations, think again. I'm continuing with baubles, like I did earlier this year in January for about a month. I have plans for these and will announce that later in the year. :)
I also have two new products launching around Spring & Easter, both wearable. One all handwoven on the loom, the other is textile based too but with a twist!
Other plans in mind, include textile workshops for children aged from strictly 8yrs (no younger) to early teens only! I'll possibly be looking at Easter/early Summer for this. I've a lot to think on still. It will all be very new! There has been people asking me this as of late would I be Interested in it, so watch this space! And some other ideas I want to keep under wraps and not spoil everything now by mentioning all. But I have a feeling it's going to be a good year!! ;)
So with that, I just want to wish all reading this a very Happy Christmas & Best wishes for 2016!
Gráinne x :)
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