10 New year resolutions for creative folks.

I love the idea that in the new year you can start a fresh, do all the things you wanted to do the year before but life got in the way. Well I'm going to try to make time for new things next year, things that can inspire my creativity! I've tried to keep the list to simple things that we can all do that will help our creativity flow...

• Keep a journal or sketchbook. I know alot of people will find it difficult to know what to put in them but there's plenty of inspiration on Pinterest, (you can check out my inspiration board here) or you can buy journal prompt books like 'wreck this journal' by Keri Smith.  

  

  
  

• Read more creative blogs. My current favourite creative blogs are A beautiful Mess, Lets do something crafty and Make it your own. In 2016 I'd like to find more inspiring blogs! 
• Go see more art. If you take the time to do a little research you can probably find loads of art in your local area. Last year I didn't take enough advantage of the Artist Open Houses, but next year I plan to see more, its free and you probably get to meet and chat to the artist. 
• Try more crafts. This is were following the creative blogs comes in handy. This year the new crafts I tried were, making tree decorations, making christmas crackers and biscuit decorating. There's so many things to try, and even if it doesn't work how you planned, at least you tired and you can always improve!
  
• Network with other artists/ creative folk. 
• Go explore! Take a long walk somewhere new, let yourself get lost, who knows what you may find. 

  

  This is the downs where me and my dog, alfie, like to explore!

• Make a collage for new projects. Find images, quotes, adverts, anything that inspires your new project and make a collage! 
• Take more photos. (and no I don't mean just selfies) 
• Write a letter. Don't use facebook chat, or text, pick up and pen and paper and write a letter. There are charities that encourage you to write to people, for example, www.postpals.co.uk where you can write a letter to a sick child. 
• Try out creativity booster games. These games are designed to get your brain thinking in ways, to come up with ideas you may have never thought of. Here is a website to trycreativitygames.net

So there we have it, 10 new years resolutions for creative folks!

Hope you all have a wonderful new year and don't forget to check this blog for new posts every week!

Becky x

DIY: Christmas crackers.

Christmas is my favourite time to get crafty because there are so many different things to try! Christmas crackers are a classic around our dinner table when having the roast. The photos won't be the same without us wearing those paper crowns. So I gave it ago myself, heres how I did it...

You'll need:

• A selection of small gifts 
• Cracker snaps, which you can buy very cheaply in craft stores or online
• Cardboard toilet rolls (start saving them early!)
• Wrapping paper of your choice. 
• Double sided tape 
• Ribbon
• Scissors 
• A selection of cheesey christmas jokes. 

So lets get started!

1. I started by getting everything ready for the inside of the crackers. I did this by buying little things that I could fill the crackers with. I then printed some cheesey jokes and made a paper crown. Check out this tutorial video on how to make your own paper hat, or buy some of amazon.

Individually wrapped sweets are great to fill the crackers with.

2. Once everything is ready, stuff the cracker with the joke, hat and present and the cracker snaps. 

3. Cut out a long strip of your chosen wrapping paper and stick some double sided tape to the toilet roll. 

4. Roll the tube onto the wrapping paper then attach with more double sided tape. 

5. Twist the ends like a sweet wrapper and tie it with some ribbon. 

DONE! 

  

(Surprisingly easy right?)

Christmas gifts for photography lovers!

We are a nation of photography lovers, and for those you know, here are some affordable ideas to get them the perfect presents...

Selfie Stick. Most people are guilty of the occasional selfie, but we all know that one person who LOVES to snap themselves wherever they are..and this is the perfect gift for them! The selfie stick is great for helping you get more of the background or more people into the frame. Varies in price but can start from as little as £5!

Lens Mug!Fun present for any photographer - I got one of these from my friend for xmas a few years ago!  From £6.50

Spirit level camera attachment.This is great for landscape photographers so they don't get wonky horizons! Prices roughly £5.

Gorillapod.This is not your usual tripod, its super flexible, and can cling on to almost anywhere! Lightweight as well, its perfect for the traveling photographer. From £15.00 

Build your own camera kit!How amazing would it be to say you made the camera that took your photos?
Roughly £20

Digital photo frame. One have just one photo on show when you can show all of them!
Prices from £30

Photography Challenge pack.This is super cool idea and as far as I know, its only available on Notonthehighstreet.com
Click here for the link. Only £9.99

Concrete camera vase.Another one thats availble on Not on the High street.com. This is a unique and really cool present for a photographer who likes getting flowers. Take a look at it here. 

Iphone camera fish eye / macro lens. Great for people who use their Iphone camera alot! Prices vary but cheapest I found on amazon was £2.99!

Instax mini 8.This camera is perfect for people who like polaroids. Its compact, light, comes in a range of colours and prints cute wallet size prints. Prices from £85.00 Available on ebay or Amazon.

Other ideas:

• A photobook of their work 
• Camera case /Lens case
• A photography workshop experience 
• Jewellery shaped like cameras. 
• Funky patterned camera straps. 
• Lonely planet's 'best ever photography tips' book