New Year – New Ideas. Who’s with me?
Hi there
Happy New Year! New Year – new ideas! I have been deep in thought all morning, considering the future. I’ve been thinking about the past year, too, and how Work/Create & Craft TV seriously interrupted play in 2024! The good news is – I’ve figured a few things out!
Anyway, I have been going round and round the old house here, tidying, sorting and cleaning, whilst simultaneously going round and round the virtual houses in my head, which are numerous and varied! So many doors to knock on! Mum. Dave. The kids. Work. Clarity. Finances. Artwork. Pottery. Health. And that’s just one little lane in the brain! I do find that cleaning the house, wiping down the counters, sorting the laundry – these are manageable things which help me order my thoughts too.
Here’s what I’ve concluded. I can only speak for myself, but when I do art, when I get into something, it’s important that I stay connected with it. If I let it slide, I struggle to get back into it.
My pottery is a perfect example. I used to do pottery every week. EVERY WEEK. I was always working on something. There was always something being shaped, always something at some stage in the process, which needed pushing through to the next stage. Then, when everything kicked off last year at Create & Craft, I doubled down on work to keep Clarity going, and have not touched clay since September. The last thing I made was the lamp stand for Mark and Alex’s wedding, and a couple of pieces which were gifts for Alex’s family. I modelled them off my favourite piece on the left.
But trying to get back into it is proving more difficult than you think. I know I just need to move my arse into the garage, put on my apron, have a tidy up, clear away the pottery from the Open Days which is still waiting to be decanted, and get with my hands. But. Pottery take time. I’m struggling to get back in.
Same with the printmaking, although I did make a start a few days ago with my sister-in-law, who is also a Barb. I had been neglecting that too, just doing what was needed to keep the business going. So our lovely print room at the bottom of the garden was feeling very cold and lonely. Haven’t been in there for months. Then, when Barb was here over the Christmas period, I asked her if she fancied learning how to make a Lino-Cut. Interestingly, it was really easy to get into the process with somebody else who was keen to give it a go. So we spent an evening cutting a printing plate, and a morning pulling prints. She did a great job!
So the conclusion for me is to do something every day, to build art into my daily routine, so that it becomes a part of my life again. It doesn‘t have to be a completed masterpiece. But I have to stay on the horse, because the longer I leave it, the more difficult it is to get back in the saddle. You understand.
When I was tidying up my art studio above the garage earlier, I found a little sign – literally, a confirmation of what I was thinking….
So I decided to start a door gallery! I’m going to fill this door with art! From top to bottom!
And where does that little fabulous mouse come from? From my very first lino cuts – the flowers! LOOK! Click here. Just goes to show…
I think this blog will also help get a routine going – and not just for me. I really have tried to blog daily, like in the good old days. But honestly, you have to be in the right frame of mind to blog honestly. When Dad died, I lost my way. But it’s time to get out of my head – and get with my hands. I was much happier when I was making every day.
Who’s with me? Who fancies making art every day? It doesn’t have to be a massive thing either. Even ATC’s are perfect. Artist Trading Cards. Or PTC’s ! Parchment Trading Cards. They are a great, fun way forward. Just 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Bitesize and friendly. If you have time next Monday at 2pm, watch Clarity TV on Facebook LIVE, or ClarityCrafts Youtube. I will explain all about ATC’s and PTC’s. Let me know if you are up for it. There’s strength in numbers, friends!
I may bounce between pottery and paper, but it can only be good for the head. Regardless of the path I follow, it is MY path, and I think it will make Life more interesting. I have been getting bored with myself!
Watch this space for my online courses, too. I‘ve got a plan!
Love always
Barb x x x
69 thoughts on “New Year – New Ideas. Who’s with me?”
Sounds like a plan! I’ve got a little notebook someone gave me a while ago. I’ll try to draw something in it everyday.
Happy New Year to you all. X
I was thinking of something along those lines too x
I will try to join in but feel unable to make a full commitment at the moment , really struggling to get some mojo!!
Happy and healthy new year to all xxx
Well let’s do it together xxx
I’m in, really got out of the habit recently .
Ditto xxx
I’m with you Barb. Although limited funds, I will do my best. So much to look forward to.
Thank you so much, Dave too.xxxx
Let’s stick together xxx
All I can say is New Year, resolution I’ve never got far with making one or keeping one. I completely understand how hard it is to get back into something you’ve had to step away from, for whatever reason.
Sometimes the mind won’t let you move into the light and like a frightened child you could sit in the corner hiding all year long. ATC and PTC starting small now that’s an idea. Try and Tray again to stay on course is all I can currently commit to.
I’d love to be in the mind set to make it happen. Maybe with group inspiration I might stay the course.
How wonderful to play with a Pal and didn’t your sister-in-law do well.xx
Together we are better xxx
Oh Barb….liking this very much.
Until my shoulder is out of the harness, I can’t paint at the moment – that is soo very hard not to do, so I know what you mean. But, I’ve just ordered some blank calendars – thank you for the idea Sarah Brennan – and I am planning each month to get watercoloured when I can, based on the many pictures I have taken around the garden over the years. Mind you, looking out at the blue sky today (laced with white) there’s January sorted! See ya..
love
Maggie (York UK)
Cool! I’ve got blank calendars being printed as we speak ! Xxx
Yes please!!
Sounds like a great idea. I am using the small Clarity watercolour journals and working on a page a day with a mix of watercolour and drawing. This is my #dailyart2025 challenge to myself. It would be great to see everyone else’s daily art including yours too. I will be sharing all my art twice a month on my blog and hope it’s OK to continue to link it up as I did with my #dailycollage2024 pages.
Perfect xxxx
Hi Barbara, happy new year.
I’m with you on trying to do some art each day, hopefully I will manage to achieve this now it’s just me and Hubby after family have gone home.
I do enjoy making ATC’s and enjoy the clarity monthly swap- it’s a shame more people aren’t up for the challenge, perhaps when you chat to us next Monday you could mention it and encourage more to join in?
Looking forward to receiving my order of the club dies so I will have some new inspiration!
I will absolutely get a few more fired up! Xxx
That will be wonderful! I see you have also signed up for the ATC swap. I’m sure that will encourage more to participate as it’s such a friendly group.
Thanks for all you do x
I started back crafting in 2024 and just before the holidays I thought great 2 weeks of crafting I can’t wait. Then I took this awful infection that is going around. Very little energy and chest is not good. However, I went back to the viaduct collage (messed it up the 1st time) and over a few days I finished it. I woo hooed when it was done.
I’m still not back to health but itching to do something. so reading parchment perforating guide to keep me going.
Really enjoyed the SHAC last night can’t wait to see what 2025 brings xxx
Let’s just take it easy, feel better, then get going! Xxx
Happy New Year ! I was surprised that things had started to go wrong a lot earlier in the year than when it all started happening in Sept – or when we knew about it. That was a struggle for you. Glad you got your wedding pottery done though. I haven’t done art/craft for a few days now as jigsaw has taken over so I need a nudge. I have lots of notebooks that I haven’t used so should keep one by me, perhaps that’s the start of a plan. I also want to look at all the club things I haven’t used. There’s x stitch too, I have a ‘retirement pile’ that I haven’t looked at since I retired in 2016 ! Groovi took over ! Actually, I have a PTC to start – free style I think it is but not sure who I’m sending too yet ! Look forward to Sunday and Monday now ! Have a good day xx
Busy lady! Love it!!! Xxx
yes please would love to join in
Happy New Year! Sounds like a great plan Barbara!
I try to do some parchment every day and start to feel somewhat jittery if I haven’t been able to – certainly now that I am on the road to recovery from the nasty virus over the past 2 weeks! I used all my stash of cards that I had built up as a Christmas gift for a friend so now I need to build it back up again! Lots of special birthdays and retirements coming soon too! Lots of ideas wizzing round my head and things to try out too!
I am looking forward to seeing where the Clarity journey will take me……
Let’s stick together xxx
Having tidied up some of my craft stuff so we could get in the dining room for Christmas lunch I need to unpack & get going again. As you say easier said than done when you stop doing it for a few weeks or months in your case. My plan for the new year is to work my way through my club folders doing some more of the projects & with many of them later products can be added into the mix.
Like Jeanette said above perhaps once you explain what an ATC & PTC are & what is involved perhaps more people will join in the monthly challenge over on the FB pages. I only do the PTC one at the moment but will look to join in with the ATC one as well.
Looking forward to a very crafty 2025 as you divulge more of your plans for Clarity moving forward. Janice was very excited on Monday night when she told us what was on the cards for the New Year but she wouldn’t give any details other than she couldn’t wait for her trip south on the 9th.
One Day at a Time, One Project at a Time & the year will fly by !! xx
Let’s travel gently into 2025. Together we can do this! Xxx
Happy New Year Barbara! – This one has got to be better than the last. I here exactly what you’re saying, as it’s happened to me too. I used to spend a lot of time doing what I love in my Craftroom. Then life distracted me and slowly but surely, I haven’t been in there much at all! – I am having to make myself go in there and once in, I don’t want to leave! – We must do what we love in life, what makes us feel rewarded for all the boring stuff that must be done. I’m going to reward myself, starting today! – Looking forward to more Clarity in 2025!
Doing a bit of art however small or simple each day sounds right up my street. As you know I am severely artistically challenged when it comes to getting things down on paper. What comes out of my hands usually bears no resemblance whatsoever as to what I had pictured in my head, that’s why I loved/love the Shac so much. What’s that old saying…..if you don’t use it you lose it so yes I’m up for a daily dose of art xxxx
I craft nearly everyday and it is right that the more you work with something the more ideas you get. I know what you mean though about losing your mojo. Earlier last year I couldn’t craft at all for some time and when I found a slot of time I could do something it was as if I’d never done anything ever! Mojo had completely gone! I was almost at the point of giving up. Then something clicked. It may have been that I got some secret stuff to do that really spoke to me or it may have been that things here got better and my mood lightened. But whatever it was it worked. So little and often is definitely the way forward. I’m with you 100% of the journey.
ATC and PTC are a great way to get back to doing something and joining the swaps on Clarity Worldwide and Groovi Worldwide is definitely something that we all could do. Look out for the posts on those pages that advertise them and sort out the swaps.
Looking forward to all the new products coming in 2025. Bring it on.
Love as always.
Jane xx
Have just had a lovely time in first quiet day for a while catching up on your new year chat with Paul .It felt like being with friends for a chat and a cuppa .So glad I’ve always stuck with clarity and bought direct from you .I used to enjoy your time on C and C but got so cross when they no longer did catch up TV !Your integritity as a company has always shone through and your genuine love of art and craft and education is what attracted you to me many years ago. May Clarity always shine clear and bright no matter the climate .
Would love to do something arty every day .ATC sounds like a great idea .
I sing with a community choir .Would it be possible to include some easy drawings even stick figures that could represent a choir ?Or musical terms that I could embellish with flourishes like your floral alphabet or numbers ?Or whatever stamps you could create sometime .I think musical scores particularly antique ones are often very beautifully decorated .
I know what has happened ,listenening to you has my brain firing with ideas thank you so much !
No matter, simple is often the way to go at times and will look forward to seeing others creativity also .
A very happy new year to all .
Carmel xxx
I totally relate to needing to do art every day. My Mom passed away last May and I haven’t been at my art table since then. Partly busy with sorting everything out, getting her condo ready for sale….. but with the sadness, my motivation just hasn’t been there. I’ve reorganized a lot of my space and supplies, given excess supplies to a school art program and a charity shop, but my goal is to reconnect to my inner creativity for the new year. I need to do art for relaxation, creativity, connecting with my inner soul and just having fun. 2025 is a new year of renewed hope, new adventures, new ways to give and love, and so much more.
Happy New Year to all. Your blog today really spoke to me. I haven’t crafted for months. My health took a dive in the middle of April and one thing seemed to lead to something entirely unrelated, my hands swelled and I couldn’t even manage to knit or crochet the blankets I used to make for the local hospice. However things are looking up and I can use my hands again and I want to get back to where I was, first I have to sort out my craft room. It will be slow as I get tired and have to rest but your blog will inspire me, and I have lots of stuff I bought and haven’t used,Mary x
Hi Barbara, happy new year! I enjoyed listening to you and Paul in the SHAC on NYE (although I wasn’t able to listen ‘live’). It was lovely to hear you chat about your upcoming plans, and interesting to hear more about the ins and outs of how you coped, (and are still coping!) with the challenges of 2024. It’s really nice that you share that information with your Clarity friends, it makes me feel included and a part of the wider Clarity family. I wish you all the very best!
I’m looking forward to getting back into my craft room after being busy with Christmas and all it entails. I’ll be interested to learn more about ATCs and PTCs, I don’t really know what they are. 🤔
Jane xx 🌸🌼🌺
been in my craft room this afternoon, hoping to recreate Linda’s projects on the wonderful calendar, have started the snowdrops on January
I do knit every evening, even if it’s only a couple of rows
Some years ago, I had a studio built at the bottom of my garden, it cost a lot. I then furnished it, purchased and subscribed to all of the Clarity arts, stamping, parching, stencils and dies, (my favourite) and then along came drawing and colouring, I followed the Shac avidly especially during Covid.
My husband wants to know when I am going to use this studio so well equipped.
As is often said, Heaven is lined with good intentions – so I hope to see you all on Monday at 2.00
Thank you Barbara so much. Happy New Year to everyone.
this is a wonderful way forward for you. I am struggling to find crafting time for myself, of any sort as we now take responsibility for a close family member, as well as my own health struggles. however, I delight in being in the shac whenever I can, and support you whenever I can. good luck in all your resolutions .
In all honesty I’ve not been reading your blog as regularly as I used to do but never have i related more to one of your posts. I’m always happier in my soul if I have had some creative time so I shall endeavour to follow your example and do a little something everyday. thank you for your wise words. All the best for the new year ahead x
I did make all of my Christmas cards this year at the last minute. I was just about to put all the Christmas stuff away again but maybe I should start making cards for next year while I still know where all my Christmas things are !
Love and hugs
Yvonne
Happy New Year to you all at Clarity Towers. I wish you a much less stressful year. I admire your strength and determination to keep going. Lesser mortals would have thrown up their hands in despair. You deserve all the success possible in 2025. I’m obsessed with colouring at the moment. It’s a very satisfying hobby. Have neglected my groovy for a while. Will get back into it eventually. Take care wishing you and Dave and your family calm and happy 2025.
Happy New Year Barbara. You are an inspiration and I never cease to be amazed at just how much you manage to cram into a day. You always appear so calm and organised so, little did we know of all the turmoil at the beginning of the year. Loved the NYE Shac last night and the banter with Paul – a great double-act! Will do my best to do a bit of art each day, or when I can. My stumbling block is a husband who seems to think I should be cleaning the house most of the day and preferably scrubbing the wooden kichen floor till it sparkles!! A Happy New Year to all involved with Clarity . .. front of house, behind the scenes. Design Team, members of Groovi Facebook, Clarity Facebook, Eric and Ragnar, and anyone I’ve missed. looking forward to another year with you. Pam xx
Definitely with you Barb, as although it is always my intention to do something creative everyday, I’ve yet to manage it. We’ve just heard that a dear member of our caravan club has sadly passed so I shall be making a sympathy card as my first project this year. My heart goes out to his lovely wife and family. After that…well I should really start using all the wonderful Clarity stash purchased over the last couple of years, I sure have enough to keep me going until the next lot of goodies is revealed, at any rate. I do love the linocut stamps above all the others, they just really appeal to me so you can rest assured that I’ll be purchasing new ones when released! Love and best wishes for 2025 to you all. Happy crafting ♥️ xxx
I know exactly what you mean Barb. I start some and then life just gets in the way and I never finish it. Yesterday I thought to myself 2025 is the year I create something every day and finish my projects. So count me in, I am with you.
I always watch you on YouTube even if I don’t join in drawing but this is the year I will! All the best to you and Dave and the Clarity team for 2025. xxx
Happy New Year everyone! I’ve decided to start journalling this year, and I’ve chosen “create” as my word for the year. I’ve literally just written in my journal that I need to plan time each day to make something! You must have read my mind.
January might be tricky for me with my daily radiotherapy treatment, but I’ll do what I can, when I can xx
Good to see that you’re getting your mojo back. Your pottery is important to you so get back.oit there! I’m going to try and create something every day; be it paper, groovi or sewing. Being creative is good for the soul x
After a tough year, I’ve mislaid my mojo and confidence – but will try something small each day with you all xx
Happy New Year Barbara. Hope you had a lovely Christmas with the family.
We are in the process of buying a small bungalow to use when we go to see our son, daughter-in-law and two young grandchildren but it has been causing us a lot of problems. We were due to complete on the 30th November but here we are and we haven’t even exchanged. Sellers solicitors are just not doing anything but hopefully next week we can get some answers. There should be no problems as there are only 3 in the chain and the house that our sellers are moving into is empty. Why am I telling you this is because at the moment I just can’t concentrate. Mind all over the place. I do try and do a little crafting every day and that really helps. So I know how you feel and yes I am with you.
Take care,
A Happy New Year 2025. Cannot believe it’s 25 years since the Millennium –
time has flown by! Clarity are the best, lovely products. Would like to do
ATCs and PTCs for cards, pictures, and looking forward to new ideas.
The last two years for me have been difficult with bereavements and coping.
Crafting, embroidery, small sewing projects have helped me enormously, and so good for us mentally, looking forward to Sunday and Monday already.
xx ❤️
Hello Barbara, happy new year to you. I do hope you manage to ‘get with your hands’ each day. It sounds like a good plan, and I am ready to join in. I do the PTC monthly challenge and really enjoy it. I have joined the stamp club this year. I have stamped before, but I find it difficult to get a design started. I think an ATC a day would help me along that road. I sorted out my craft area today. My, oh my, there is a lot of ‘stuff’ still to see the light of day. My make for today has been a scissor case for my picot cutters. Day one, done and dusted. xx
I got 2 presents for Christmas one is a craft a day book and the other is a list a day( eg your favourite 5 songs, not shopping lists😂.
I can’t believe it is almost a year since I discovered Clatity, I’ve neglected crafting since we moved in June so much decorating to do but hopefully the end is in sight, new kitchen and floors starting in January. I’ve joined a knitting group as I’m going to be a Grandma in March and wanted to knit something for the baby. I’m looking forward to getting back to the SHAC. I have so many unused craft supplies that I really need to use what I have , I can’t resist a sale, so online courses will be a great way for me to support Clarity and learn from Barbara.
Happy 2025, it’s going to be great xx
Well, so many comments, you have definitely struck a chord. A little crafting a day keeps the doctor away! As with many others today, I picked up a couple of unfinished projects and finished one and moved the other on. A bit of crafting every day certainly helps keep me on track, I have a little workstation set up in the kitchen so no excuse not to do a bit. How about a little show and tell of what we have been up to in a few weeks time
I got myself into the craftroom over the last few days too. Made some step by steps for the Clarity Matters blog. Very therapeutic to be sure!
Happy New Year to all.
Last year was not a good one for us but we are looking forward to a better 2025.
We had a wonderful quiet and calm Christmas week, didn’t overeat and enjoyed every moment together.
I have made some resolutions for the coming year:
1. Go through my Groovi plates and trace those not already done for future reference.
2. Don’t let others dictate what I should or shouldn’t be doing. It is for me to decide, and do what I can while I still can.
3. Start this year’s celebration and Christmas cards asap to avoid a seasonal rush.
4. Craft something, anything every day.
5. Stick to the weight loss programme. The knees work so much better now I am lighter.
It will be interesting to see if I can keep them all. Here’s hoping.
Your mojo for the pottery will come back, just go with the flow and you will get there. Granted at times we wonder where the day has gone but it is important to do something you love as well as work.
Happy New Year Barb – time for a fresh start again after the turmoil of the last year!
I totally agree about the power of creating something every day – it works for me too, especially when I start to feel overwhelmed with work requests, etc. Always good to get out of your head for a while.
So here’s to travelling gently and creatively along the 2025 road…
Im definitely interested in joining you.
I know I DO have a creative brain somewhere, BUT it’s been hiding and hard to find for some time.
I’m frustrated with my apathy and I’m in desperate need of some guidance and inspiration 🥺
Sorted out my craft room today so that’s progress, aiming for a piece of artwork a week, hopefully lots more than that but as we all know stuff gets in the way. Happy 2025 everyone
I’m in and need a kick up the backside to get back into crafting gear. Problem is my workspace is overcrowded with a piece of furniture, a chair bed which is now in the way and it’s got to go to make way for me to unwind and get into the crafting zone! Looking forward to seeing all your new ideas and for more on line classes. Got both my pieces of art from the first two Classroom sessions framed and hung on my lounge wall, really proud of them and great to hear my family and friends admiring them. Thank you for for your Blog today I needed that.
Keeping it short today.
GO GIRL.
I am with you, one arty thing every day.
Lets give it a go! I am packing to move house in a few weeks but there will be a bag with some supplies so I can do something – even if its 10 minutes! Will enjoy trying. great idea Barbara.
Happy New Year.
Fingers crossed it’s a better one than last year. I’m hopeful but not yet convinced and it’s only 3rd of January.
Happy New Year Barbara. Looking forward to the year ahead and will do my best to do something every day however small. My daughter bought me a beautiful save the bees goldwork embroidery kit with gold embroidery silk and sequins so that is something new to start this year. Take care xx
Happy new year to all at clarity.
thanks for your blog barbara. I’ve decided to start art journalling so going to do a small peice of artwork in my journal book every day .keeps me sane haha.. xxx
I have remained busy since Christmas as I need 8 family birthday cards (including 2 children’s ones and 2 male ones – always tricky for me), this month including a special one for my daughter. So been very creative. Keeps me out of mischief especially when the weather is atrocious.
Hello Barb, and Happy New Year to you, Dave, the family and all the Clarity team and family. A great idea to try do one small bit of art a day, keeps you in the groove. Love the Lino Cut you did with Barb 2. I do have to sort out my craft room/home office as it is a bomb site after making some last minute Christmas cards and a few gift card pouches and late December Birthday cards, and now have to do a sympathy card for next week as one our neighbours has passed away. Looking forward to a year of creativity again. Take care everyone, it is due to turn quite cold. Bx
Happy New Year to you and everyone. I see I’m one of many who really like your idea. I would need to keep it small as I too got something nasty at Christmas and although today I’m feeling so much better, I feel a bit shaken up by it. I made sure I followed my dear old Mum’s tradition of “letting the old year out” and welcoming the New One in my front door at midnight. Going to do something positive to help make this a good year. Wishing you all the best for 2025.x
Hiya Barbara,
HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and all at Team Clarity. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings about the year that was 2024, through the eyes of Clarity. It was both thought provoking and humbling at the same time. Saying you were going through the hoop would have been an under statement and yet you were always there for us, never wavering. All of your upcoming ideas and plans sound exciting. I can’t wait. And so looking forward to Sunday…Go Dave!!
I’d like to make a toast 🥂for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025 for everyone at Team Clarity and for everyone in the Team Clarity Community. Penny xXx
I also have a plan. but I always do.
I know what you mean about getting back into crafting. It seems ages since I created anything and I am finding it so difficult to find the energy to get going again. So much effort has gone into trying to get two houses worth of stuff into one house. I am determined to do something every day, even if it is only a few minutes to start with. Looking forward to what you have in mind to inspire us all. Waiting now to get dates to book up the Clarity get togethers, and a trip to Dorset to meet up with old school friends. love to everyone for 2025. xxxx
Happy New Year!
Thank you Barbara- when I read each BLOG – your timing is amazing- your words/ideas/inspiration/
honesty that you share is exactly what I need to read and think about. I admire how through the many very hard challenges, the highs and lows, happy times and sad times you have a wonderful way of sharing ways you work to turn things around. You are so inspiring and I always learn from you.
I lost my mojo for creating/crafting. It is crazy how hard I am finding to get back to it- to just start.
Thank you for ideas- creating something each day- baby steps.
One thing I learned recently about myself is I need to work at creating for fun, enjoyment and peace of mind and not always with the mindset that everything has to be a finished project at the beginning.
I am excited about your idea of ATC’s – looking forward to learning and playing.
Barbara, a huge thank you to you and the Clarity Team for all you do- truly appreciated.
Here’s to the start of a fun creative year- thanks to you!
Hugs.