A new year is here and I’m looking forward to seeing what 2025 has in store. Last year was intentionally a very quiet one for me. After the busiest year of my career in 2023, I was tired and needed time to relax and evaluate what I want to do as I move forward in my freelance career.

I taught some wonderful courses and workshops with Leeds Central Library in 2024 and worked on a big commission for Polite Rebellion which tapped into my own work, telling stories and sharing personal narratives. Perhaps the most important achievement in 2024 was learning to relax and take time out for selfcare.

In December, I turned 45 and celebrated 12 years of freelance life. Things have changed since those early days as an artist and tutor and I’ve worked with some incredible people and organisations. I was sad to say goodbye to Artlink West Yorkshire who I’ve worked with since 2018. Their closure was a hard time for the participants, who explored creativity and came together through their projects.

During my winter break, I’ve been reflecting on the last year and spending more time in the studio. I didn’t create much work in the second half of the year, instead I focussed on marketing and finding the balance between creating work and creating content, which was a big change for me.

I don’t enjoy resolutions but I do like to do some goal setting for the year ahead so here is my list for 2025…

1. Embroider or sew every day, this doesn’t have to be the same piece but I want to make sure I take time to do what I love each day
2. Plan ahead more for my social media content so it doesn’t become a stressful chore
3. Enjoy being in the studio, this is something I lost which impacted my creativity
4. Focus on what I want to achieve and make sure I prioritise myself
5. I would like to start more projects sharing the skills I love here in Scarborough

I’m looking forward creating new work in 2025 for exhibitions and sharing my skills in workshops and courses across Yorkshire. For regular updates about upcoming workshops and events you can sign up to my monthly newsletter, and for cat pictures, work in progress and general weirdness follow me on Instagram.