It’s been 6 months since I started blogging, as a result of a drunken New Year’s Resolution to really do something creative this year, which had to complement rather than add to my already deliciously chaotic life. And so this blog was born, and what an experience it’s been so far; from having my first follower sign up in January (someone I didn’t even know! The shock and awe of it.. who was this exciting person?), to the highs of having thrilling little flurries of ‘likes’ and comments when I post, and coming across kindred souls the world over. A whole new community and world has opened up, and it’s a very lovely – and inspiring – thing.
My battered notebook in which I document ideas and plans for the blog (above) is now stuffed with clippings and scribblings, and accompanies me pretty much everywhere. Harry, for his part, loves sitting on my lap and looking back at the things we’ve done as I scroll through the blog and show him our photos. At 2 and a half, he has the innate narcissism of all toddlers and there is nothing finer than time spent with a cupcake and a glass of milk, watching pictures of himself and commenting on their greatness (‘I sooo funny Mummy!’.)
From being something of a luddite where web technology is concerned, I’ve come to understand a little more about how sites work and how to take good photos, though I still have masses to learn. Stumbling across other blogs has been an eye-opener and given me great food for thought about design, layout and content. With that in mind the more astute regular visitors will notice something of a facelift this weekend, to a cleaner, more graphic and simple site that I think is also easier to navigate. One of the absolute best things in recent months has been people getting in touch about the projects they themselves have tried out from my blog, so with that in mind I’ve also separated out some of the most popular into a ‘Tutorials’ tab on the home page.
I’ll be posting again later in the week with my latest furniture makeover project – a seasonal play BBQ/grill that Harry is even now pressure-testing by flinging mini play kebabs, piece by piece, across the garden (it’ll make sense when I show you the pics, I promise…), but in the meantime I’d love to know your thoughts on what you’d like to see more of, less of, or how you’d improve the site – all feedback gratefully received! Whilst a blog is in one sense a sort of personal diary, it’s also of course a great conduit for ideas, projects and sharing, and your support, feedback, and reaction has been amazing; so please tell me, particularly if you’re a regular, what’s working for you and what’s not…
See you later in the week; have a great and relaxing end to the weekend!
Kate
Wow Kate I think in 6 months you have done A Amazing its super and I look forward to the next 6 months of goodies … p.s we made small version of your torch last friday on friday for Jakes Olympic fun day at Nursery , a log with his running outfit I tried to do also the same day ha ha …. Thanx for your Blogs Im sure everyone will agree that are fun and creative we love looking at them an attempting some when we get a chance …. Helen
Ah Kate,you are bloody marvellous-don’t change a thing! Your posts are always a joy to read,and your pictures are scrummy. Happy 6 month-versary!
Kate, I enjoy your blog enormously, it’s becoming one of my favourites. I say keep it as it is! Except…purely because I am nosy…some before and after shots of your home would be fun, so that we can see the renovations that are taking place. I’m looking forward to the next six months!
As a nosy person as well I totally agree with Gillian. Another blog I follow adds their kids ages to the bottom of the post which is really nice when you show a project to help tell if it’s age appropriate. Otherwise great job! Can’t wait to read more.
I am a retired art teacher (36 years) and grandmother to two young (2.5 yrs, 0.5yrs) boys. I find your blog simply fabulous and love the fun projects you do with your son Henry. It reminds me of all the creative things I did with my two daughters. I wish I had a site like yours back then…it would have been a lot easier. Keep up the good work. You truly are unbelievably talented!
I agree… your art projects are so creative! I’m going to do the olympic shirt with my daughter soon. I’d love to see a dollhouse because I have two little girls – but that may not work for your boy! I’d also like to see some adult furniture projects too.. and pics of your house because the kitchen is so pretty. Congrats on creating such a wonderful blog!
Kate, your blog is gorgeous. What a brilliant idea to use a notebook for future projects, I always forget when I get a brilliant blogging idea. Have to agree with Gillian – what I’ve seen so far of your house makes me drool – would love to see some more of it!
I stumbled across your blog through “tales from a happy house”, and oh my word I’m impressed! How on earth did you learn to take such amazing photos? I have no skill with photography, and only have a Nikon compact digital camera and basic editing software
it looks like you’ve been blogging all your life, not 6 months! Your projects are beautiful, so imaginative and I bet your boy loves all these exciting things to play with!
I blog at makingthingsbeautifulagain.blogspot.co.uk – I’m a total newbie but would be glad for feedback!
just to say thanks- i love reading your blog and particularly love your clever and funny writing style. i found your blog through the amazing french market you made for your son that was posted on pinterest. please continue with everything you are doing. the only criticism i have is the guilt i have after reading your posts about how little craft stuff i do with my two small children!!! well done on a fantastic 6 months of blogging.
I love your blog (and your new elegant theme). It’s inspiring and beautiful and funny and that is coming from a non-crafty person. In fact, I am not even allowed to wrap gifts in my house. It is forbidden. That being said…maybe one day far in the future…you might want to start a line of Kate’s Creative Space goodies? I would buy that pirate’s chest in a heartbeat. Just something to chew on. Thanks for all the fun.
You are doing a terrific job Kate. The new layout works beautifully- I love the great photography (thoughtfully and tastefully styled) and clean layout. Keep doing what you’re doing!
WOW. Thank you so much for all the amazing feedback, and the suggestions too – I love them! More home pics soon I promise; I’ve finally found some ‘before’ shots for the rooms we’ve renovated and redecorated, and it looks like we may get just enough sunshine in England in the next couple of weeks to get some good indoor shots. And great to hear that there’s a place here for ‘grown up’ stuff too; given Harry now has a room full of upcycled play furniture I think I’m allowed to have a go at some for me now
. Thank you all again so much for taking the time to say hi and share your thoughts – it’s been wonderful to read your comments.
I just found your blog and think its just beautiful! Thanks for sharing all your ideas and creativity. I am excited to follow you and see your posts on my, sometimes rather uninspired, feed!