Happy 2014!

For my last blog post of 2013 I want to say thank you to all of you who have supported me throughout the year, I love being able to meet so many lovely people doing this. Hearing your comments and feedback is very helpful to me and it's much appreciated.

Harris Tweed Brooch from the 2013 collection

To give you an insight into what's to come, there'll be some new products and themes to my work in 2014. I'm currently just starting work on a new collection, the first experiments for which I hope to share with you very soon! I don't believe that you ever stop learning in craft, as in life, and I'd like 2014 to be a year of learning, and challenge- the theme of the new collection certainly offers both, I'll keep you posted!

I am also aiming to develop my Etsy shop in 2014- I'd like this to be a major focus, to get Louise Dawson Design out there and introduce handmade craft into peoples lives!

A big goal is to develop the Make Do and Mend/recycling themes within the work I'm making and to reflect this ethos much more strongly through my blog. Working as a Designer/Maker, by the very nature of my work I'm always creating new objects, but I don't want this to be at the expense of the planet! I'm currently sourcing more pieces to up-cycle and re-purpose into my work.

Another aim of 2014 is to get you more involved- I'm excited about the idea of developing tutorials for the blog based on the Make Do and Mend/recycled textile theme- watch this space! If there's anything you'd like to see, do let me know!

So there we have it, I've put it into writing now so I had better get cracking!

Wishing you all a very happy and creative 2014!