Triumphs, Tangles, and a Brew (With a Side of Sawdust): The Start of My Blogging Journey.

Starting a blog as a maker can feel a bit like standing on the edge of Scarborough seafront in January — exciting, yes, but there’s a good chance you’ll get soaked, frozen, and wonder why on earth you thought this was a good idea. That’s exactly where I am now. After a few years of quietly crafting away in my own little bubble (with only the dogs to judge my dodgy paint jobs), I’ve decided it’s time to share my makes with the world. Brave, daft, or both? Jury’s still out.

The Initial Hesitation

When the thought of starting a blog first popped into my head, I was thrilled. Imagine it — sharing my makes, tips, and stories, connecting with other crafty souls! Then reality hit. Would anyone actually care? What if my projects look like something Blue Peter rejected in the ’80s?

That self-doubt creeps in fast, doesn’t it? I’ve since learned that loads of makers feel the same. We pour our heart and soul into things, then wobble at the thought of showing them to strangers. It’s like baking a pie — you know it tastes grand, but suddenly you’re fretting that Mary Berry herself might pop by for a slice.

Finding My Voice

Eventually, I decided I’d never know if I didn’t try - better crack on then lass!

I started scribbling about my projects — not just the pretty “finished” bits, but the stories behind them.

Take my quilt, for example. I had visions of something heirloom-worthy, and what I got was… well, let’s just say “unique corners” are now my signature. Writing about the messy process, though, made me realise that sharing the stumbles is just as important as sharing the triumphs. Plus, it sounds a lot more like me — a Yorkshire lass with a soft spot for sarcasm and a kettle always on the boil (none of this microwave tea nonsense, thank you very much).

Balancing Crafting and Blogging

Of course, starting this blog means I’m learning to juggle and trying to get organised. Certain days are “crafting only” (translation: I emerge covered in glue, thread, or sawdust), and other days are for writing. Crafting swallows hours before I even notice, and blogging takes its own time — writing, editing, trying not to delete the whole thing in a huff when my laptop acts up...

I’m still figuring out a rhythm. Some projects will make it to the blog, others will stay as “just for fun” experiments (and a few will quietly vanish into the cupboard of shame - looking at you, lopsided coaster). And that’s okay — I’m giving myself permission to ease into it rather than pressure myself to churn out masterpieces on a schedule.

Facing the Fear of Sharing

Hitting “publish” on that first post felt scarier than driving on the wrong side of the road when I first moved to the States. What if no one reads it? Or worse — what if they do?

But I keep reminding myself that every blogger starts somewhere. And if nothing else, at least I’ll have a record of my crafty adventures, mishaps and all. If a few people join me along the way, even better.

Celebrating the Little Wins

Right now, the “wins” are small but mighty: setting up the blog, writing that first post, figuring out how to add a photo without crashing the site. Each step forward feels like progress. I’m choosing to celebrate them — with a proper cup of tea and maybe a biscuit (or three).

Embracing the Journey

So here I am, just beginning this blogging adventure. I don’t have all the answers, and I’m far from polished. But I’m excited to see where it goes, to share my makes, and to meet others who love crafting as much as I do.

It’s not about being perfect — it’s about enjoying the journey, learning as I go, and hopefully making a few people smile along the way. After all, isn’t that what crafting (and life) is really about?

“So stick the kettle on, pull up a chair, and join me as I bumble through this blogging lark — there’ll be triumphs, tangles, and plenty of ‘nowt ventured, nowt gained’ moments.”