This year has passed by so quickly but, I'm happy to say, it has been a little easier than last. I'm trying to work smarter, rather than harder, and have gained more time for family and friends.
Despite the effect of the global economy on tourism in the Blue Mountains over the last couple of years, my sales have gradually been improving. I'm still classified as a hobbyist at this stage but intend to keep developing 'Green Gifts' as a business concept in 2012.
A number of customers have urged me to sell online, which is a huge undertaking to do properly, but I think it will be a worthwhile venture in the oncoming year. I still prefer face-to-face contact with customers at markets but the online world does have the potential for a much larger customer base.
A would love to approach some potential stockists in 2012 but this is dependent on having the time to create enough suitable stock (namely cards) before they're sold at the markets!
On that note, I do need to make a concerted effort to manage my time better in 2012. Which means less time on the internet and more time dedicated to organising/creating/working!
December 2010
My primary aim this year has been to gradually use the numerous craft supplies and tools I've bought over the years! I've always had good intentions but never had the time (due to full-time teaching) to explore my creativity deeply.
The feedback received from customers thus far has been very encouraging, so I will continue to attend craft markets in the Blue Mountains and Sydney, as well as increase online ordering options. If you would like to purchase anything, please feel free to contact me.
It has been a privilege to teach some cardmaking classes in and around Sydney this year, and I would love to continue doing this in the future.
My Background
My love of art and craft started when I was a young child. I remember winning the award for 'Best Cutting Out' in Year 1 because I had carefully cut out one of those intricate snowflake designs! My teacher was astounded by my persistence. (Still a bit of a scissors-freak to this day!)
Although Visual Arts didn't really exist in the Primary curriculum back then, our craft programs were excellent and I enjoyed every last minute of lessons planned by the Craft Specialist/RFF Teacher.
In High School, I chose Visual Arts as an elective and looked forward to each and every lesson. I desperately wanted to do it for the HSC, but didn't get to (that's a different story).
At uni, Visual Arts was one of my majors and, as an RFF teacher, I would seek to teach it to K-6 classes whenever I got the chance. Units of work I have programmed and taught include: Food, Friends, Faces, Aboriginal Art, Australian Artists, Exploring Colour, Studying Leaves, Sculpture, Australian Animals, Van Gogh, Communicating Beliefs, Jeannie Baker, Rainforests, Digital Forms, and Photography.
Throughout the course of my life, my art and craft experiences include: Painting*, Sketching, Collage*, Lino Printing, Screen Printing*, Black & White Photography*, Woodwork, Ceramics, Mosaics, Mask Making, Embroidery, Cross Stitch, Macramé, Weaving, Knitting, Fabric Dyeing, Hand Sewing, Machine Sewing, Costume Making, Paper Making*, Scrapbooking*, Card Making*, Papier Mâché, Origami, Paper Marbling, Decoupage, Graphic Arts, Candle Making, Glass Painting, Beading, Jewellery Making, and Digital Photography.
Even though many people I know have always trivialised creative pursuits, I will continue to explore them and experience the very joy that can come from creating something new, aesthetic and tactile. I encourage you to do the same...
* extensive experience
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