Projects Incomplete - what projects will you start or restart in 2015?

At the end of last year we were thrilled to add a new member of staff to the Ministry of Craft team. The lovely Jennifer Stevens joined us at Ministry HQ as our new Operations Supervisor. Obviously Jennifer is super organised and efficent, BUT, like most of us, she's also super crafty too! 

Our Jen!

I enjoyed reading her personal craft blog last week, Humilde Folk Art & Craft, (definitely worth a follow) about a new challenge she has set herself for 2015: Projects Incomplete. Could you finish off all of your half completed or unfinished projects in one year? Jennifer intends to do just that:

"It’s the time of year when we’re all trying to get back to being the best versions of our selves. I love the New Year, for me it’s a chance to really think about what I’m doing and how I can push myself to do better in the coming year.

Paper cut house using scraps of paper

2014 was a year of change for me. I quit my awful office job and started working part time for a company I love. And with my new found freedom and extra time I’ve been able to pursue my creative endeavours, which I’ve been trying to do for years but was always too beaten down by working in an environment that didn’t suit me.

This all brings me to my own 2015 ‘project’, one you can join in with too. I have met many creative people and it seems to me that one of the bad habits of being creative is hoarding! Hoarding materials and ideas and letting them waste away in corners. This year I’m going to clean out those corners, I’m going to attempt to finish every little project I have started or planned instead of letting it go to waste.

It’s an experiment of sorts, how will it feel if I really complete every project? What new skills will I learn by pushing myself to act on my ideas? I will share my journey from start to finish, however bad or good the outcome.

So here’s my first one: a paper cut I planned to do before Christmas but ran out of time. It hasn’t turned out as well as I would like and has made me think the design might work better as a print (another one for the list!) but I’m pleased I got it done and I have plenty more to get on with tomorrow!"

Jen's latest papercut

So which crafty challenges will you be joining in with or setting up for 2015? Will you join Jennifer with your Projects Incomplete? How about a making it a Make Do & Mend Year like Jen Gale? Keep us in the loop, join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram, and keep up the good work!

#ProjectsIncomplete 

Clear Cut: Beginners Paper Cutting

I recently had the pleasure of attending our brand spanking new workshop Clear Cut: Beginners Paper Cutting. I had attempted paper cutting at home and they never quite turned out how I wanted them to. I needed a bit of direction and tutor Jess Panesar was just the lady for the job. She guided us through the best way to approach our designs and had lots of little tips and tricks to get a fantastic end result. The great thing about the course is that you go away with what is essentially a beautiful piece of art at the end of it.

My first successful paper cut

 There are different ways to go with paper cutting and whilst I love the intricacies of tiny nicks and slices I was very impressed with some of the simpler designs that came out looking incredibly accomplished!

Sometimes the simpler the better

I caught the paper cutting bug and after the course I immediately replaced the blade on my craft knife and got to work making bespoke, one-of-a-kind, Christmas presents and birthday cards. I can't wait to give these presents and I'm still thinking up new designs and occasions when I can put my skills to use in the New Year.

A Birthday Card Design

One of a kind Christmas Present

It's a craft that's low cost and elevates a simple drawing to a fairytale level, what's not to love?

And guess what, there's another workshop on the 7th of February (just in time to make a stunningly sweet valentine days card!) and you can book it here!

New Course - Clear Cut: Beginners Paper Cutting

Since Rob Ryan won our hearts with his romantic, intricate creations we've been swooning over the art of paper cutting. Check out some serious eye candy here and whet your appetite with a quick run down of our favourite inspirational artists:

Rob Ryan, Grandaddy of modern paper cutting and star crossed lovers. His work moves me to tears!

Manchester-based Helen Musselwhite is surely the undisputed Queen of paper cuttery. Take a look at her website and be COMPLETELY STUNNED!

We came across the work of Helen Rees recently, at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair. Her work often reflects the Welsh landscape where she lives but she also does portraits!

The newest addition to our team of craftacular tutors is Jess Panesar who makes bespoke, personalised paper cuts to order. Check out her work!

Now you can literally take a leaf out of Jess's book: grab a scalpel and a slice of the action! We're thrilled to be launching our first paper cutting course - CLEAR CUT: BEGINNERS PAPER CUTTING - on Sunday 30 November. It's a snip at £32.50, so there's no reason not to delve into this wonderful art form. For booking and further details click here.

{Personalised paper cut, just for us, by Jess Panesar}

We've also got tonnes of papery goodness over on our Pinterest boards. So after you've dipped your toe in the water under Jess's expert tuition, you can start making your original hand cut Christmas cards or personalised art works. There's so much inspiration our there, plus templates and free tutorials to keep your hand sure and steady.

We look forward to seeing your creations!