Hello 2026! (Resolutions free post)
- Canny Ellen
- Jan 4
- 3 min read
Another year down and a new one just begun - I'm not one for New Year's resolutions (I don't need that pressure!), but the start of a New Year is a good time to reflect on what has been achieved in the last orbit round the sun.
While 2025 was a quiet one for me in terms of my jewellery making (I was hardly able to attend any craft fairs) it was far from quiet in every other sphere. Work has been hectic; my better-half was made redundant after 35+ years with the same employer (my employer too! Gulp!) and I have taken on some caring duties for my beloved, ageing parents. Not to mention the quietly growing list of my own aches and pains. I am sure you can all tick off one or two of these challenges in your own life, whether financial, physical, or mental. If you have avoided them all then I salute you - what's your secret? Where can I buy your book!!??
When a year has been full of so many challenges, it can be difficult to pick out the positives, but it's always worth listing them - give it a try.
2025 for me saw:
Eldest graduating with honours and securing his first full-time employment in the field he has trained for - so proud of him!
Youngest has progressed to 2nd year at university and expanded their learning - putting further strain on our shared brain-cell.
My parent's health challenges giving me the opportunity to spend more time with them
I have joined the Argentium guild and have bought my first supplies in this wonderful, hypoallergenic silver - I can't wait to create with it!
Conquered my fear and approached a retailer local to me with a view to having some of my pieces in their shop for sale (I'll keep you up to date on that).
Made my website more mobile friendly - good grief! The website software does NOT translate from desktop to mobile as efficiently as I assumed. Lesson learned!
Travelled to a new country (Cabo Verde) and managed to absorb some of their art as well as Senegalese and Mali crafts
Decided to get back to Craft Fairs in 2026 - I missed the people, chat and stories. I hope to return to The Steeple and reacquaint myself with the regulars up on the stage.
Those are my highlights - I hope you have managed to curate a list yourself. Looking at my own list, I realise the challenges, though mighty, are outnumbered by the positives. It's easy to get lost in the vortex of daily existence, and 2026 may yet provide further financial strains in a time that is not hugely fun for many people. However, while there is art there is joy and I will do my best to create little pieces o' bling to bring a bit of joy to whoever I can. I also promise to update Instagram with much more of my creations this year - I made a start already!
Thanks for signing up for these occasional missives, and I hope to see you in 2026! Lang may yer lumb reek wi someone elses caul.
Know anyone else that could benefit from these occasional ramblings in their inbox? Direct them to the website, and they'll be greeting by a registration box on the home page after a short wait! :)
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