Four Years Old Again

Four years ago, 2nd January 2009 to be precise, I started writing this blog. I hadn't read that many blogs before I jumped in. Posy,  Fabric of My Life, Vintage, Pretty and Shabby and Vintage Heaven were the ones that I read and felt inspired by. For a while they were just an enjoyable read, then I realised that I wanted to join in too. I spoke to Donna on the phone when I cocked up a fabric order and told her about my plans to blog. She looked out for my first post and kindly left my first comment, I was thrilled.

I chose the 2nd of January to jump in as I was feeling incredibly blue that day. Life was tough for so many reasons at that point. I wanted to write and lose myself somewhere that I could edit life as I saw fit. I also wanted to keep a record of all the good in our lives.

Now at the beginning of each new year I have a catalogue of photo's to look back over so I can traipse along memory lane. I've arranged them into seasons of sorts this year as a record of the Bun's, events and makes. My darling man chooses to make no appearance here, so don't think I'm leaving him out. In fact it's not easy as he's in most of the photos we have and is incredibly photogenic whereas I look bloody awful in most.

Winter's End January 2012

Over the years my blog has grown and changed as I've learnt more. I'm really pleased overall with what it's become, but there's still so much more I want to do with it. I want to improve my photographic skills (that means a new camera for me on the wishlist) and I've plans afoot to learn more about design.

Spring 2012

I love how blogging lets me look back over time and see what I've learnt and achieved. I realised as I put these collages together that I've been doing a fair bit of dressmaking this year. I stopped for a while and I'm so glad I'm back doing it again. From making dollies clothes as a child to knocking up outfits for clubbing out of old sheets I've always loved re-working and making an outfit. A favourite of mine was the puffball skirt I made to wear with a sensational black 1950's jacket when I was 18. I had hopes that my girls would enjoy fashion where they played with style rather than wore what everyone else did. Thankfully they do and it seems if I can make it they'll wear it. Now I'm trying to teach them so they'll be able to make their own outfits.

Early to Mid Summer 2012

Something I didn't realise when I started blogging was that I would connect with so many different wonderful people from all over the world. I've been amazed at what a small and supportive community this creative one is. I love how I can chat with people who get many of the things that make me tick because it's what they're about too.  So many of the people who write my favourite blogs are people I'd love to meet one day as I'm sure we'd get on just fine and dandy. I've met lots of lovely people who read my blog when I've been selling my wares which has been great too. 

I set up the Pick 'n' Mix Makers Market four years ago as a result of blogging. It was a dream of mine to create the kind of creative market that I'd actually want to go to. Through blogging I met an amazing amount of talented people who believed in me enough to take part. Blogging meant I could reach a lot of people to let them know about it too. Dad's death this year, just before the Spring Market, meant I had to cancel it. I've not got my vavoom back since for market organising this year. We'll have to wait and see what happens with that one.

Late Summer to Autumn 2012

When I started blogging I joined in with a few swaps which I really enjoyed. I stopped taking part because I was doing too many other things. I've held a few giveaways on here, more recently I started a Craft it Forward to share the making love around, but I've never hosted a swap. This might be a good thing, but I do really fancy hosting a Bobo Bun swap party to celebrate my four years of blogging.

Years End - Winter 2012

So to talk this idea through. I've named it the Four Happy Things Swap which means each swappee will swap four things that make them happy. Ideally one should be handmade, one thing in a favouite colour, one a vintage, retro or kitsch thingamebob and lastly one a thing from childhood (sweeties or small toy an idea). I'll be joining in too by the way if you don't mind.

If you fancy taking part please let me know by the 27th January, ideally on this post. Then I'll partner people up and get back to each of you to let you know your swappee pal (please make sure you leave an email address in case I can't get in touch through your blog). 

It would be great if the swapping could get going by the end of February, but no pressure for that as once you're paired up you can sort out something to suit yourselves. Please also state if you're only able to post in the UK or if you're willing to post Worldwide so I can match the right people up. 

I'll leave the button above on my side bar so if you fancy spreading the word and pasting it onto your blog you can do so. 

Right that's enough chat for now. See you soon. Happy Swapping.