'A New Year's Promise'

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January has comfortably settled in, and granted us brighter, drier and sunnier days. As we say in Ireland there is a ‘grand stretch in the evenings now’.

I’ve been taking things a little easier this month, and gently easing myself back into the creative flow. I’m enjoying sketching new ideas in my notebook, long refreshing walks, and noticing the subtle changes and pops of colour appearing in nature. It is one of life’s great pleasures to slow down and live in tune with the seasons.

I’ve made a conscious decision this year to relax, de-stress and make my work/life balance a priority. My attention has turned away from computer/phone screens towards my natural surroundings. Nature has in turn provided me with a valuable gift instead; endless bouts of inspiration, more time, and a greater appreciation of the delicate and transient beauty around me.

A slower approach to my work will allow me to fully immerse myself in my next collection, and enjoy the process a lot more. I’m hoping to start creating new pieces in the coming weeks, and hopefully debut a collection in early-mid February. For now, enjoy these little January vignettes, and I will see you soon in the pages of the Forest Notebook. -Gillian x