Happy New Year!

2008 calendar by JHill Design

Reflections by, Nicole of Designs by Lulubelle

As we say goodbye to 2007 and ring in 2008, New Year's resolutions often come to mind.

Rather than focus on the more typical resolutions, I decided to focus my resolutions on the creative side of my life.

I'd like to make quilts for the important people in my life, learn Italian or French, learn to knit and focus on expanding my business.

This year, I asked other Boston Handmade members what their resolutions were for the upcoming year.

Dawn of Creatively Anew focuses on her top three for the New Year. Her first goal is to CLEAN out the studio. Dawn also states "I will also be exploring a new way of working by introducing a color theme for the month and I will also be doing research on writing a book which is a long term goal that I feel I can dive into".

Angela of Paper Menagerie states "My New Year's resolutions for Paper Menagerie include using more recycled and repurposed materials, as well as expanding beyond cards and prints. You can look for stickers, bookplates, and some fabric work in 2008! I'm also resolving to take a few classes to broaden my skills".

Jessica of Reclaimed to You states, "My goal is to do more sewing. I was really inspired by Beth's sewing workshop and in 2008 I really want to make time to: do some quilting for all the children I have in my life, sew some tote bags to use instead of plastic shopping bags (and to give them as gifts to friends as encouragement to use less plastic bags), and make household items and small articles of clothing for my family and friends."

Kris of Relaxation Works has " two new lines coming out in 08, one is called RW LAB. This is where new products ideas are born and new formulas are tested on our greatest critiques, our customers. There is no pretty packaging, just great products that have mega potential. Ingredients are mashed, ground whipped and stirred to bring cutting edge new ideas about bathing natural. The second one is called RW Aromatherapy. This includes 14 custom blend options and a great ECO Friendly package that comes with an Eco friendly reusable grocery bag, huge lip balms and aromatherapy products."

Allison of Fraske Designs states "I usually don't make resolutions, but last year for 2007 I decided to resolve to create more. My motivation was the website illustrationfriday.com which posts a different topic each week for artists to use as inspiration, and you have a week to post it back on the website. While I haven't been able to keep up every single week (and I knew that going into it), that website has prompted me to create some of my favorite pieces such as my Air Show, Gravity, and Jellyfish digital collages which are available as cards and prints in my Etsy shop. I decided that I would keep the same resolution for 2008 and expand my mediums. I have always enjoyed making mosaics (mainly coasters as gifts) and I have been teaching myself how to crochet (slowly but surely). Being part of Boston Handmade has piqued my interest in other mediums as well. Each member brings something different, unique, and beautiful to the table, and that is very inspiring!"

Warm wishes for a happy and healthy New Year! Here's to making 2008 a creative one!