January isn't my favourite month of the year, I'm not a fan of the lack of sunlight or damp weather but I do love the idea of a fresh start. A chance to look at my life and wonder if there's anything I want to try or focus on over the coming 12 months, resolutions of a sort... like maybe watching less TV and swapping the biscuits for an apple?!

This Christmas, while watching TV, a contestant on Kirstie's Handmade Christmas mentioned that she'd set herself the challenge of learning a new craft each month of the year which she was putting to use in the table arranging competition. Having studied creative subjects at school (art, dt and textiles) I sometimes miss the dedicated couple of hours a week of being crafty. 



Now with Pinterest the inspiration is endless, but actually making the time to try out new skills is tricky, especially when you're fixing up a house! So one week into 2016... yikes... here are the 12 skills/crafts I want to learn/get better at this year:

1. Photography - The photos in this post are ones I found when scrolling through iPhoto. This year I'm determined to step out of my auto/modes usage and finally learn what ISO is.
2. Writing - Something I can hopefully tick off through this blog.
3. Watercolours - I studied art at school and cracked out the watercolours in the Summer but they were quickly pushed aside in favour of DIY, time to bring them back out I reckon.
4. Printing fabrics - Any excuse to tie-dye.
5. HTML - I'm determined to get my head around it.
6. Sewing - When I was little I always used to play on the sewing machine, now I'd like to make some throw pillows.
7. Tiling - When we do the kitchen I will be having a go at tilling!
8. Cooking healthier food - After getting two cookbooks for Christmas I want to learn some healthier staple recipes.
9. DIY Decor - Do/attempt some of my pinned DIY's.
10. Calligraphy - Yes this is also Pinterest inspired.
11. Build a wardrobe - Posts to come I'm sure.
12. Homemade Christmas - Back to Kirstie, for Christmas 2016 I want to make everything from scratch!

L x