Happy New Year, hopefully it’s still not too late to say that. I hope everyone had a lovely holiday. I think I started mine a bit tired and ended it more tired than ever! I always love spending time with friends and family though that’s the real blessing of time off.

My first job for 2019 was to make this Moses basket yesterday. I have a lady coming to the workshop next week to make one for her baby, due in a few months. I’m really excited about this project as I simply adore babies and children of all ages.

I am also in awe of my student and her can do attitude. She hasn’t made a basket before but is undaunted by this project. I’m sure I’ll be posting a photo of her basket next week. Watch this space.

Last Wednesday saw me back at Cley marshes for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and I spent Monday evening at Shelfanger village hall.

It always delights me that everyone is so enthusiastic about the workshops. People thirst to create and I feel very lucky to be a part that. Happy Christmas everyone. X

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The log burner and log basket are now installed at Star Wing brewery, ready for the Christmas celebration on Saturday, from 2pm. 🎄

This week I’ve been to both the Norfolk wildlife trust in Cley and the Suffolk wildlife trust in Redgrave and Lopham Fen to teach. The weather has been absolutely terrible at times but it hasn’t dampened people’s enthusiasm for learning new things. Well done everyone.

Just preparing some willow for the weekend. I’m teaching adults Christmas decorations in Cley on Friday for the Norfolk wildlife trust. On Saturday the centre is running a class for children to make trees and stars. I’m easily distracted and decided to make this Christmas tree feeder. Going to get on with my work now…

A busy busy couple of days at the Butterfly art studio in Flacks Green, Terling. Really fun, so much making, music and mince pies. Well done everyone!

This weeks classes. Lovely women in all the groups. On Wednesday I had a really relaxing morning with three ladies at the simply handmade studio in Sudbury. Today the Norfolk Small holders Training group. These folks are very hands on and make me smile when they strike up conversations about their goats and sheep or spinning wool. Thank you to everyone for making me so welcome.

I’ve taught three workshops this week to kick off the Christmas making season. Friends and family on Monday , Fransham WI on Thursday and a group at Redgrave and Lopham Fen today. It’s such a privilege to be a part of these shared experiences, to join in the chatter and the jokes.

Making decorations really is fun and relaxing. Well, I think making generally is very therapeutic! Once you’re in the flow and your mind focused on the job at hand you really do forget about everything else.

I am working on a hedgehog house design to run as a course next year. I just need to make sure the dimensions are right for the entrance and living space.

I’m quite pleased with how it’s turned out. It’s really sturdy and will make a cosy home once stuffed with some leaves.

It all started with a lovely lady asking me to repair her family’s crib. It’s made of cane and is around 100 years old. I love repairing baskets, it just feels right. Looking after things, not throwing them away is something we should all be doing as much as possible.

It was a really satisfying job and I’ll be happy to deliver it back to its owner next week just in time for its new occupant due imminently.

Anyway I decided to make a toy crib for up coming open studios and craft fair. One led to two and today I made a third. It’s easy to get carried away. I now need to make a few more mattresses, pillows and blankets and they’ll be all ready.