Happy new year! 2026 here we come...

So, erm how have we entered 2026 already?! It literally feels like yesterday that I wrote my first blog post on here. Gulp it would seem that I failed that 2025 resolution to write at least a blog post a month. So I'm going to say this here I WILL do this in 2026! Let me know if there is any particular topics you want me to talk about. 

Well firstly I'm writing this wrapped in a blanket on an enforced 'admin day' as it's really chilly here in the Midlands, UK and my clay has frozen solid. So I've bought it in out of the cold shed to defrost and with a bit of wedging I'm sure I can bring it back to life. A clear reminder that ceramics can't be hurried or rushed especially in the cold Winter months. 

So now I'm over my huff and grabbed a cuppa it's given me a bit of time, now the girls are back into school routine (we had a lovely break together but like me they crave a bit of structure) to reflect on the past year. So here it goes....

 I said to myself, this time last year in fact, that I was going to go for it and push myself. I was at a pivotal point in my life that I either really needed to push my ceramic business or think about a part time job (around the girls) to push my income stream. A massive decision that weighed heavily on me for months.

As much as I love my role as a mum I felt it was my time to do a bit more again. Now my youngest is at school I have headspace again, time to create and time to invest in my ceramics. Pre-kids I definitely didn't appreciate how much 'time' I had so now its made me a master juggler of time! Which is great for a busy creative business I guess. 

2025 I was able to teach more workshops and dip my toe back into the show circuit. It wasn't easy at all though as the landscape has changed a lot BUT I'm so glad I pushed myself as the response was amazing and all the hard-work, sleepless nights and worries made it all worthwhile. I also met lots of lovely new stockists at a trade fair back in March (Artisan made UK if you want to check it out https://www.artisanmadeuk.com) which was a breath of fresh air as I haven't met so many new stockists in a long time right up to the Highlands of Scotland which amazed me. This set me up for the most of the year, as well as trying out some new work, then we were straight into the festive season after a small summer break. So I guess it's only now I can see what an amazing year it was to push myself and my practice further and it's this I want to build even further in 2026 and do you know what the best thing is? My thoughts of getting another job (disclaimer no idea what else I would do as I've only ever known being a designer maker since 2009) is a distant memory! 

Here are some small points which really helped me in 2025:

• I  got myself last Christmas a planner called 'the maker's yearbook' @makersbusinesstoolkit on Instagram, which helped me to set goals, plan the year ahead and manage my finances. It really helped me to break it all down into small chunks so I didn't feel overwhelmed.
• research and plan exciting new opportunities that will take you out of your comfort zone. For me it was a new (to me) trade show and see where that leads. 
• I found when I got into a momentum and flow of shows again new things came my way (workshop opportunities/ exhibitions etc. and meeting new people is always so important when you work on your own. Even if it's just sounding out ideas and plans to a creative ear is so valuable. 
• Use the colder months to slow down, plan and roughly map out the year ahead. How do you want it to look? What kind of shows/exhibitions do you see yourself at? Research them and see where other makers in your field show their work. 
• Plan some exciting things in the diary too..little holidays/ days out and this is really important to charge your batteries and give you things to aim and look forward to throughout the year. 

Sorry if I've gone on a bit but once I started writing this I couldn't stop! But I hope that helps some of you if you are stuck in a bit of a rut like me this time last year. It can be extra hard this time of year with all the 'new year' new me hype surrounding us and goal setting can be overwhelming.  I do hope some if this maybe useful even if you feel less alone. 

Ooh and one last thought....another one of my favourite things to do in the quieter winter months is to fill up my craft cup. I'm drawing lots and knitting at the moment and who knows where that will lead. Exciting! Sometimes it's just nice to create without the pressure isn't it? Right now I'll be plotting how I want 2026 to look and I'm buzzing as I've got some new ideas I want to make too so watch this space! Quite the different feeling to how I felt last year.  Please do drop me a message if any of this resonates with you. 

Katie x