It’s getting close to Christmas and as usual I’m on schedule to be last minute…pretty much the only schedule I can stick to!  Two commissions still to finish…but nearly there, and no personal Christmas shopping done yet.  Actually my Christmas shopping doesn’t usually start for at least another week, but somehow I feel under more pressure this year to get things done early…is it just me or is that something that’s in the air?

What I have done however over the last month is made some important decisions, and they have actually already freed me enormously.

First decision

One of the decisions I have made is to start paving the way for more painting time next year.  I know I have talked about this before, but next year I am really going to make it happen!

This year I spent a lot of time trading and travelling, and don’t get me wrong, I loved every minute, but all my making time was taken up replacing the small things.

I really do appreciate the small sales.  They are the ones that keep me afloat (‘scuse the pun 😂). But, I am moving further away from what I originally set to do, which is paint and so, in order to allow more painting time I have to started adding things to my website, that I don’t actually make.  All the new items include images of my paintings, but I don’t actually physically make them.

I already had the mugs, printed by my sister Katy @13 trees, but this year I have added a new range of glass coasters, again printed by Katy. They are so beautifully subtle.  The colours of Bridge for all Seasons are muted through the glass and I just love the effect. Just one design at the moment, while I see how they go.

I have also added some new 6 inch greeting cards, and I must say I love them. I have the winter set on the website at the moment but more designs will be added throughout 2024.

Second decision

Another decision that I have made is to do less trading from the boat.  The benefits to me will be twofold, I will have more painting time and also without rushing from venue to venue I will have more time to enjoy the travelling that I do.

The benefits to you will also be twofold.  I will be producing  more paintings for you to enjoy, and I will have more time to share them and my journey with you.

I will still be popping up on The Art Boat, but just a little less so.  My website shop will always be open so you can contact me that way.

So…back to Christmas?  There is still time to order from my website.  Last day for ordering prints is Sunday 10th December as they are made to order. Everything else is Wednesday 13th.

If I don’t manage to chat again before Christmas…Have a lovely Festive Season 🎄🎉

Jan x

Oooh…and a big thank you to Jules and Pete from The Hippie Boat for the main photo. I don’t have many photos of me steering Tonka, and I love this one. xx