...So in case you were wondering (like I did!) a 'blog hop' is where another blogger tags you in one of their posts to answers some questions and give a little insight into your world. This is with the hope to encourage the discovery of other blogger, writers, makers, designers etc.
I was kindly asked to join in by Laura who writes her beautiful blog 'Circle of Pine Trees' and who I met at the wonderful day we spent together at Hobbs House Bakery back in March for the 52 loaves project.
I've never done anything like this on my blog before, so I thought why not, i don't often write much on here aside from a couple of sentences, so here's a little view into my world...
Here are the questions...
1// What have been the doings/makings/scribblings at your desk/making table in the last week?
I've recently been getting to grips with my sewing machine and this week I've been brave and attempted to make my second dress. This time with buttons and pockets... ! So far so good. I've been really disappointed with the high street shops over the last couple of years and have become more and more determined to teach myself to make my own stuff.
I've also been knitting and developing a range of autumn/winter kids accessories for a local shop, which I'm very excited about.
My camera has been a little neglected this week. There's just not enough time to do it all.
2// Where are you currently finding your inspiration?
For me inspiration comes from a variety of sources, from places I go to other blogs, interesting magazines & of course the whole online world, like Pinterest is great. But I have to say (without wanting to sound too gushy...) that I have such an incredible circle of amazing women in my life that inspire me on a daily basis. Whether it's my beautiful friend Lisa and her weird and wonderful clothes, homeopathic remedies and deep understanding of life and the universe. My amazing friend Katie, who has spent the last 5 years developing her own organic skincare range... despite the ups & downs she's soldiered on and is now beginning to reap the rewards! My hippy mother and boho sisters... for their depth, creativity and spirituality. Even my beautiful daughters who are only 6 & 3... they are funny, caring, imaginative little ladies and it amazes me each day as they grow and I begin to see the lovely people they are becoming.
These are just a handful... seriously! There are many more! (Jo, Sarah, Leah, Lydia... the list goes on!) Let women run the world I say...
3// How important is being creative to you & how do you blend this with your work/life/family balance?
In this day & age i feel that day to day creativity has been replaced by a very 'fast food' kind of culture, rushing through life to find instant gratification. To make something yourself requires time, focus, space and thought - it's a precious thing and teaches us to appreciate things again, I am very keen to get back to some of that and hopefully teach it to my girls. It doesn't have to be overly complicated, in fact the simpler the better.
Balance is something that I'm working on and probably will for the rest of my life! I like to see my day or week in chunks of time, so that when I'm giving my time to something (whether it's my children, my work, my home, myself or even doing nothing!) I feel no guilt that I should be somewhere else, doing something else. As a family we are trying (though it's hard) to shake off the idea that you work 9-5, Monday to Friday, and instead sharing all the responsibilities of life whether it be work, house or family. Because just maybe there is a more stress-free, happier way. Radical? Or the way it was always meant to be?
Anyways.......
So that's my little contribution to the blog hop. :)
I've tagged Meeni & Jennie Sanford to play along. I met both these creative ladies at the Bearwood Handmade events and love what they are doing. Go check out their blogs and work. They are both Birmingham based and are apart of the handmade community here.