That Friday feeling

Above image from cornishtipiholidays

Well, It's Friday and I'm off on my jollies tomorrow - to a lovely place in Cornwall. We're staying in a tipi and I absolutely cannot wait! Hopefully the weather will be kind to us (despite the forecasts being extremely bad) I am determined to stay optimistic :)

Just a quick post today - got packing left to do! I hope to have lots of photos and stories to share with you when I get back in a weeks time...

K x

A bit about me

Now I've got the hang of blogging I thought I'd share with you a bit more about myself. I still can't quite believe I'm saying this but I love running! Like pursuing the creative journey that is setting up your own business, running requires dedication, determination and a bit more determination (often it is more appealing to stay indoors when you're due to run and it's pouring with rain!) However, when you have got your running shoes on, the warm-ups done and you steadily cover the distance you feel great!

Running entered my life quite unexpectedly last year when my Mum suggested I join herself, my Dad, Brother and Cousin's husband in running the Great North Run in Newcastle (the world's biggest half marathon) in October. I have always admired runners and despite never having any previous experience I decided it would be my challenge! So I, along with my Aunt who was also new to running, decided to sign up. I managed to get a place running for the NSPCC, a charity I believe does so much good for the children and families it helps. The weekend we would go to Newcastle to be ready for the run on the 5th was also my 21st birthday weekend (my birthday being on the 4th) so it was to be extra special.

I can't begin to tell you how hard mentally it was to even contemplate running 13.1 miles but with lots of support and encouragement the miles soon clocked up until just before the run I could comfortably run 10 miles.

The day came sooner than I thought which is normally the case when you're nervous about something, and it couldn't have been a nicer day - too nice really, was a bit too hot when running! I enjoyed every second, even the really tough moments when my body was telling me to stop! My Aunt and I reached the finish line, without stopping, in a very respectable 2 hours 42 minutes. I was elated and couldn't stop smiling!

Despite saying I'd never do it again (in the moments I wanted to stop) I have now registered as a Great North Member and have a place this year and for the next 2 years! I am running for Born Free this time and it's taking place earlier, Sunday 20th September.

With a new found love I had planned to start training again in January but I damaged my foot (not by running) and have only been able to start training again since June. So I've really got to keep up with the training schedule now! So my life at the moment is a mix of developing my business, creating new designs and fitting in running...phew!

More soon,

K x

Two posts in one day!

I have recently found a fantastic blog www.thekindredsite.com and wanted to share it with you. Run by Holly of Decor8 and Ez of Creature Comforts, their blog is a visual delight - showcasing artists by inviting them to create a new desktop wallpaper for their readers. If your computer needs a lift then look no further...

Back from a quick trip...

I have just got back from sunny Yorkshire (the photo above was taken as we left and the first rain soon fell) This trip was a little breather from everything, a time to recharge and get come more photos taken.

I spent more time looking at the views and wildlife than taking photos this time, purely because I wanted a complete break - a proper chance to relax.

Now I'm back I'm ready to roll, starting to think up new designs whilst also getting the business side of things started again.

In other news, a brilliant find this week: www.fabulousplaces.co.uk this website by Dev Ellingham is a fantastic resource for finding coffee shops, gift shops, local artists, galleries etc in Derbyshire. I have never found a website dedicated to this before and it is fantastic - do go take a look if you live in or near Derbyshire, you're bound to find something for you!

K x

My First Fair!

Well, yesterday was sure busy! I had my very first fair (it was held at a local school - which happens to be my old Primary School) and it went brilliantly well! I had help from my Mum setting up my stall (the panel at the back was particularly tricky to put up) and after no time at all I was ready to start selling!

I just want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to anyone who bought anything or gave me feedback - all your comments were lovely and made me very happy :)

I also had some 'press' photographs taken by the lovely Helen of 'delight media' - the school is hoping to do an article about myself and my journey from Primary school to local artist - I will post any more info about that when I get it!

So once again, a BIG thank you to every one who came and supported me!

My assorted packs of cards went down a storm and can be found in my shop.

More soon x

My New Website!

My brand new website is now officially online! I am so pleased to finally announce this, it has been a dream of mine for some time......very, very proud :)

www.inspirednaturally.co.uk

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Busy, busy...

It's going to be a short post I'm afraid - I am currently busy working on new designs and getting prints, cards and badges ready for a fair I've been asked to attend next week.

Another update: I will have 2 new button badge designs available in the next couple of days which I am very happy about!

Below is one of the new images available...

New Button Badges and Back to School!

I now have button badges available in my shop. I'm so pleased with how they've turned out! I think they are perfect to be worn by any one on their clothes or bag and they would also work great as an alternative to a greetings card!

Now, the reason I didn't get chance to blog yesterday.....I went back to my Primary School! The Headmistress, after seeing my work, kindly asked if I would like to come into school and take a class for an art lesson. I was thrilled and jumped at the chance! So yesterday, as agreed I spent the afternoon with a class of 7 and 8 year olds talking to them about my work and techniques before taking them through a simple art project. By the end of the lesson the kids had all produced fantastic pictures and had enjoyed themselves. I loved every minute, despite at one point having to contend with the thunder and lightening outside!

Website Update: Very nearly there....! (very excited about this!)

More soon x