Hello 2017 and here's to more joy and love in our lives!

During 2016 I, and many others, was plagued with worries about the growth of hate in the World and the potential for more to spread over the upcoming years. After conversations with friends, online and in-person, I realised that I wanted to play my small part in spreading love and helping us to let those we love know that.

So, in I guess what Carrie Fisher meant when she said 'Take your broken heart, make it into art' hit me and I realised that I could use my hands to express what I was feeling.

Then there's been a post spreading over social media about choosing one word, which starts with the same letter as your first name, that sums up what you want for 2017. So I chose 'Joy'.

The two ideas collided for me back in November and behind the scenes I got to doing what I do best: beading.

So, for 2017 I will be releasing beading & jewellery making instructions based on the theme of love.

These instructions will be free and I encourage you to make and share them with those you love. I also encourage you to use them to raise money for causes which spread love and caring for everyone.

The first 2 patterns, which are available for free from today, are Beaded Heart Motifs and Wirework Heart Motifs. More will be joining them very soon and you'll be able to find them on my Patterns page.

So for 2017 I hope you get to feel love and joy and whatever your hopes & dreams and wishes for the upcoming year are, I hope you get them.