Creative Block

I'm currently struggling to make Mother's Day cards. Despite being a cardmaker, I have pretty much been able to avoid Mother's Day since my Mum passed away in 2005. It's kind of a double whammy, as her birthday was 3rd March, so always close to Mother's Day.
It's not very often I am stuck for ideas, but for this, I am totally stumped. I've had a look through my stash, sorted out some ideas, but when it comes to making the card, my creativity just disappears. I can't do it. And for those who know me, I am not a can't type of person. In fact, I'm quite the reverse, especially when my stubborness sets in!

So, what to do? I've spoken to some crafting friends, and they've advised me to give it a miss. Ignore the upcoming date and make something else instead. Why be defined by the important dates on the calendar when people will always need birthday cards; or be having babies; or getting married. My husband says I can do this, and I can work through it, but I'm just not sure.

So, I'm going to leave you with a picture of my Mum, because she always inspired us to be the best we could be, and to strive for things and never settle for second best. Hopefully, she might just provide me with the inspiration I need. Love Sammylou xXx

You don't know, if you don't try...

So, this blog marks the next step in my adventures in Craftland. I became absolutely addicted to all things crafty when I was preparing for my wedding in 2008. All the invitations I liked were well above our budget and I thought, "what's to lose, I'll have a go at making some." I had always crafted with my daughter, but never really explored it for myself.

The results were simple and executed fairly well. They took an age, but cost pennies to make, and gave me a calm haven to hide in when the wedding preparations started to get stressful. From the invitations, I went on to make favour boxes, confetti, confetti cones and even made the tiaras for me and my two bridesmaids!

Taking some of the techniques I learnt from this, I started making homemade cards for family and friends, then handmade gifts, and set up a Facebook page, Handmade Gifts by Woo and Sammylou, in 2011 with my sister (who bakes). http://www.facebook.com/#!/HandmadebyWooandSammylou

I now sell cards and other gifts to family, friends and work colleagues, and am in the process of building up my client base. I have recently branched out further, and a selection of my cards are now available to buy at Made in Coventry (http://www.facebook.com/MadeInCoventryShop?sk=wall ) along with a selection of other lovely goods all made in the City of Coventry.

And the blog? Well, I'm not sure if I'll be any good at this, but you don't know, if you don't try and I'm looking forward to being able to share my creations with a wider audience. So speak to you all soon, and I'll leave you with my latest make.