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For many of us, the start of the new year tends to mean setting resolutions. While I don\u2019t usually make resolutions, I do have a few goals for 2020. I\u2019d like to learn at least three new skills before the year is out. There are a number of things that I\u2019m interested in trying \u2013 glassblowing being one of them.<\/p>\n
I would also like to take up crochet<\/a> or knitting<\/a> \u2013 mainly because I\u2019d like to make myself a scarf, and I\u2019ve seen some little knitted animals that I\u2019d like to try my hand at. It\u2019s all about finding the time to explore these new crafts though. I film six days a week, so I don\u2019t have a lot of time off, but when I do, that\u2019s what I want to learn.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You might also like<\/strong> what to watch on TV if you love antiques and interiors<\/a><\/p>\n One thing I\u2019m really looking forward to this coming year is changing location. I\u2019m moving out of Wolverhampton to a place called Ironbridge<\/a>, a town\u00a0in Shropshire. Recently, I\u2019ve wanted to feel part of a community, rather than be a standalone designer. The workshop I\u2019m going to have there is also home to a group of other artisans. It\u2019s a collective of craftspeople \u2013 candlemakers, upholsterers, people who paint furniture<\/a>, and more.<\/p>\n Surrounding myself with fellow creatives inspires me to create more. My studio space there is going to be massive, so it\u2019ll allow me to have more interaction with people and be able\u00a0to hold workshops, among other things. I\u2019m debating starting a supper club, where people come together, have a chat and get creative.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This time of year is when a lot of people search for motivation to reach their goals. Personally, listening to music helps me to stay enthusiastic while I work. I go into the workshop, put on some tunes and that will be it \u2013 the creativity just flows.<\/p>\n You might also like<\/strong> the best craft courses and workshops<\/a><\/p>\n I take quite a childlike approach to motivation. If you ask a kid to be creative, they probably wouldn\u2019t know what to do at first. But give them a crayon and they just start drawing. When they finish the paper, they turn it over and draw again. Then they\u2019ll look for more. For me, that\u2019s the perfect way to create. If you ever watch a child play, that\u2019s exactly what I do. I just have fun with it.<\/p>\n My advice to anyone looking for new year\u2019s inspiration is to reflect on what they\u2019ve done and then ask themselves how they can improve. Whether this be in regard to design, family or lifestyle. Anyone who buys antiques<\/a> and upcycles is already doing good, but we could always do so much more. Ask yourself, \u2018How can I do better?\u2019<\/p>\n Get to know Jay Blades<\/a><\/p>\n How I got in to furniture restoration<\/a><\/p>\n My favourite small-scale artists<\/a><\/p>\nMore from Jay Blades:<\/h2>\n