Wow.
I wanted to get a blog post out to hopefully give everyone an idea of what's happening as it's a lot.
I've created a website, launched a workshop, a newsletter and MORE. I'm not sure even I believe it.
First up - The Website... It's been a long time coming and honestly I've been putting it off for over a year. It was daunting, confusing and overwhelming. I wasn't sure which platform I wanted to use and things like domains and e-commerce seemed like too much but we're here. I went with Shopify and while I definitely wasn't a duck to water website creating I've made a simple start and it's something that'll grow and that i'm happy with. It feels honest to me. It was easier than I thought and I'm proud of getting it done.
The Workshops! I've been invited to host a couple of workshops down in Devon where I grew up at the most beautiful barn and I'm really excited. There are two dates currently available - these will be the first workshops I've hosted and while nervous I have put a lot of thought and consideration into the planning. I want them to be relaxed, I want people to feel welcome and have fun whilst learning and coming away with something they're happy with. I might do another post specifically about the workshops but I can't guarantee it'll be before the first two happen!
A Newsletter. I really enjoy a few newsletters and I've linked this blog post to my first one (hello!). I think they can be the most brilliant and connective marketing tools which can provide a real link to your audience. I also don't want to bombard people's inboxes. I'm someone who has over 64,000 unread emails in my personal email box (don't worry I actually keep on top of the ceramics email!!). I know what it's like to feel a bit overwhelmed by unread messages from companies I can't remember subscribing to. I am slowly working through getting my personal email space in a better way but all this to say I want my newsletter to be like an exciting letter - good news, products launches and something to look forward to. I don't want them too lengthy - hence the blog for that! I don't want them too often and they should feel nice to open. I'm sure it'll take a while to figure them out and get them right so I welcome all feedback (to give feedback I guess you'll have to sign up to receive them in the first place!).
The MORE?! Yes, there is more!
In other news I've signed up to Swindon Open Studios for September this year. It's probably my favourite event - I open up my home for visitors and display / sell work in the best way. I've completed two other markets so far this year in; The Swindon Eclectic Market and Swindie Makers Market. I had a really good time and learnt a lot at both. If you'd like me to do a breakdown of my markets so far let me know!
I've currently got some projects on the go too. The cats are always on the go but I finished a custom kitchen splash-back earlier on in the year that I need to do a replacement tile for (fingers crossed please!), I've been experimenting and improving my mug game for a secret (ugh) soon to be revealed - just some final tests to do. I've finally sorted out my disagreement with the cats and the glaze and I'm currently attending two 10 week pottery courses at once - there is always more to learn!
Thank you for having a read of my first blog post and hopefully it's given a little insight as to whats happening with me and the ceramics at the moment. More to come i'm sure :)
x