I have to say that I'm quite fond of this time of the year - the lovely liminal space between the mania of Christmas preparations and the day itself, then later the partying of New Year's Eve (not that I do so much of that these days).
It is a pleasing, still space for observation and for recharging the spiritual and creative batteries; a chance to look over the past 10 months of Craft Fairs and assess what worked and what didn't.
From the rush of the pre-Christmas Fairs and worrying if I'll have enough stock to last, through to the ordinary concerns of celebrating Yuletide in my own small household - the tone of the past few months has been pretty busy.
Every year I promise myself that I will truly get ahead with stock so that I don't have to worry if there's enough on hand as the last Fairs of the year approach. And every single year I'm rushing about wildly making sure that new items are finished in time; and making "new" new items I didn't know I needed and didn't exactly plan for.
So that is why this time of the year is so important - it is that moment of perfect calm before I begin the serious work of making new lines and projects; spinning the yarns and making the felt; designing and developing new embroidery patterns; checking the diary, following up new contacts and beginning to schedule the Fairs and Markets for the coming year.
And so over the next couple of months I shall be working hard to make 2026 another happy and satisfying year for this particular artisan. And you know, it is completely worthwhile because of the support of my lovely customers; the incredible behind-the-scenes work of fair organisers; and the help of my amazing friends.
Thank you all for being with me during 2025
I'm also hoping that in 2026 I can bring you some more blog articles about the making processes as well as keeping you all up-to-date with the Fairs and Markets bookings.
I'm planning to be back behind the spinning wheel at my sales table in March 2026 and I very much look forward to seeing you all again then.
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