5 Ways I made 2016 the Most Successful Year Ever

The end of 2016 is almost here and while many people are ready to send it off with a “finger” or two, I’m not, not this year. For me, 2016 has turned out to be my most successful year ever! Each year I try to surpass the previous years stats and this year has blown them out of them out of the water! I want to share with you 5 ways I made this possible.

Guest Blogging

This year was the year of guest blogging and not just one blog either! Last month I had the amazing opportunity to guest blog on Sew Mama Sew for their Handmade Holidays Roundups. That alone was a huge win for me, I have been following Kristin, Beth and the team for as long as I can remember!

I spent a long 6-8 months planning the “Stay Open” Laundry Hamper Tutorial for Janelle’s blog, Emmaline Bags. If you know anything about bag making (or want to learn) you’ll know that not only supplies incredible hardware but beautiful bag patterns too!

On top of those huge opportunities, I’ve also begun guest blogging regularly for Lisa at two pretty poppets! So far we have put together hacks for Cleo Everyday Wallet, the Carry All Flexi Clutch and even more that are coming soon! Not only have I been blogging for Lisa but I am also one of her pattern testers and I can safely say that every single pattern she designs, is incredible. She’s pretty amazing too! I have a soft spot for the Carry All Flexi Clutch 😉

Quilt Blog Tour

This year I was blessed to be chosen for not one but two blog tours starring Pat Bravo’s incredible fabric from Art Gallery Fabrics. This not only put me out there to a large audience but pushed me to try new things! I tried paper piecing for the Dare Blog Tour and instantly got addicted. For the Heartland Blog Tour, I stepped out of my comfort zone to design, quilt and bind an entire lap quilt myself. Two huge accomplishments for someone who had never made anything bigger than a baby quilt! Both beauties are still hanging in my studio for all to see and I will cherish them forever! I will be eternally grateful for the chance to work with these fabrics.

Well-Loved Posts

Zippered Necessary Clutch Wallet Tutorial: Part 2

Ivory Mix Resources

If you haven’t signed up for Kayla’s stock photos yet, stop everything you are doing, and sign up now! Kayla creates the most beautiful, clean, on trend and unique stock photos you will find anywhere. Back in the September, I won a free CUSTOM stock photo bundle from her and I cannot say enough nice things about how wonderful she was to work with. The photos she created are now on the front page of my website, on my Nail Studio website and are in various blog and Instagram posts. These photos have made me feel like a professional blogger and have forced me to step up my Pinterest image game! I’ve also learned so much from her Facebook group, she’s taught me all kinds of tips about using a camera on manual mode.

The Quilter’s Bolt

This year I have taught over 15 sewing classes, presented in front of over 100 quilt guild members and learned the difference between jelly rolls and charm packs. This all made possible by incredible friend Kate who owns the Quilter’s Bolt in Millbrook ON. It’s my favourite place to purchase fabric & notions and is also my favourite place to teach! Both Kate and Barb have taught me everything I need to know about quilting and all the shortcuts to take 😉 Every few months we put together a class list of different bags, wallets and quilts and each time the class is filled with lovely ladies ready to learn something new. Without these classes, I would not have the confidence in my sewing that I have now. I love seeing each individual finish their project and watching that joy in their eyes! We already have an incredible lineup planed for 2017 classes and I cannot wait to get teaching!

Craft & Artisan Shows

This year I (somewhat selfishly) chose to participate in the least amount of craft shows and it was the best decision! All of that intense show stress was gone, giving me the time to focus on the Hand of Man, our area’s largest craft show. I was finally able to fully prepare my display and prepare enough stock. Both myself and booth mate Vanessa of Beadness, had our best Hand of Man show ever!

I also had the opportunity, just a few weeks ago, to participate in Sprigg’s Finer Things Artisan Show and Sale and I think we were all blown away with the turn out. I surpassed my sales from the Hand of Man and met some incredible Artisans in the process. I cannot thank Annie and Sarah enough for that show and know that next year will be even better!

It’s been a long, hard and busy year for everyone but I am a firm believer on focusing on the good things that happen and learning from the hard stuff! Goals for next year have been set and I plan to push 2017 even further!

Let’s do this, lets make next year rock with wicked goals, more blogging and even more creative adventures! Happy New Year!