Friday, 24 January 2014

Grow Your Blog 2014

So today is Grow Your Blog 2014 day!  It's a sort of blog-hop organised by Vicki at 2 Bags Full (here - http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/grow-your-blog-2014-this-is-official.html) whereby people sign up with their blogs that they would like more followers for and then return the favour by visiting other blogs and liking the ones that appeal to you.

Hopefully I will find one or two people that my blog appeals to - I don't really like talking to myself - we shall see!

As you may know I have Fibromyalgia (diagnosed in 2010) and struggle with varying combinations of pain. fatigue and depression.  I had to end my nursing career as a result and went through some very low, tough times; gradually I returned to crafting as a form of therapy and I started this blog in November 2013 as a way to help me focus on the positive achievements in my life as I am a strong believer in focusing on what you want more of.  This will be my 10th post and so far I have I have managed to include a new piece of work (whether it be complete or not) in each.  My aim for the next year is to post at least twice a month, but not to beat myself up if I don't - it's all too easy to fall into that trap and it can start a vicious cycle.

I guess I'm a bit eclectic in my crafting style(s) - I like playing with fabrics and getting messy with inks too.  I've tried my hand at stained glass making, knitting, crochet, jewellery making (last year I gained a City & Guilds Level One qualification in this) I really love all the different sorts of Mixed Media and Altered Art especially Altered Books and intend to include more of these projects as my blog progresses.



These are photos of a few of the things I have created over the last couple of years, I think the only real theme is that there is no theme at all!!

I hope you take time to have a look through my earlier posts and if you like what you see, please consider following me.  Thank you

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48 comments:

  1. Monique (A Half-Baked Notion)25 January 2014 at 06:27

    Hello, Steffi! I am one of Vicki's "volunteers" and I am finally starting my morning rounds on her behalf (it is mid-morning here in Maritime Canada). I enjoyed reading some of your posts, and agree wholeheartedly in crafting as a therapy and, dare I say, a discipline? Even when I don't feel like facing the day, blogging forces me, happily, to connect with others :) It's fun to try many crafts, and they all seen to create more inspiration for one another!

    May I suggest the GFC sidebar gadget if it is still available (I think it is just called "Followers" now) and/or Bloglovin for followers? I would like to follow your blog but those are the two I use. I'd love to know how your projects progress! Drop by for a visit if you wish :)

    PS, would you consider removing the word verification for a while to make it easier for folks to leave a comment? Just a thought :)

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    1. steffi25 January 2014 at 08:03

      Hi Monique - nice to hear from you and Happy Wedding Anniversary!! I agree that crafting is also a discipline in a way and I think I will be the same with blogging - like it's a responsibility in a way - but a nice one :)

      I've now turned off the word verification - thought I already had but possibly didn't hit 'save' afterwards!

      I can't just find the other subscription options at the moment but will keep looking - I'm sure they're there somewhere!

      Delete
  2. Monique (A Half-Baked Notion)25 January 2014 at 09:12

    Thanks, I'm now officially following you, Steffi! I believe for a Bloglovin badge, you must go to their website:

    http://www.bloglovin.com/en/widgets

    Happy blog-hopping!

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  3. Vickie Lynn25 January 2014 at 10:34

    Love your quilts, they remind me of the ones my mother made.

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    1. steffi31 January 2014 at 14:25

      Thanks Vickie - that's a lovely thing to say :)

      Delete
  4. CYNTHIA CRANE25 January 2014 at 10:36

    Hi Steffi! I am touched by the straightforward sensitivity you exhibited in your blog post. You seem quite lovely and sweet, and I believe it shows in your handiwork. How wonderful it is to have art to sustain us through our trials and tribulations! I'll bet we would be friends if we lived closer - and how lucky you are to get to live in a place with its name ending in "shire". From an "all things English" enthusiast - Cindy of TheCranesNest.com (GROW YOUR BLOG PARTY)

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    1. steffi25 January 2014 at 11:33

      Hi Cynthia - thanks for popping by! I do enjoy living in 'The Shire' we have some beautiful scenery around here lovely rolling hills :)

      I've just visited your blog and your buttons are gorgeous!! :)

      Delete
  5. OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts25 January 2014 at 10:54

    Hi Steffi. I to am a person who has Fibro. Battle against it and myself most days and must also have an outlet to keep on keeping on.
    Your "arting" is wonderful and your the spirit in your words is very compelling. I'd like to invite you to come and take a peek at my blog as well. Come by and see me at http://lindaomasoldebaggsnstuftshirts@blogspot.com/
    Great post for GYB, congrats.

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    1. steffi25 January 2014 at 11:49

      Hi - sorry to hear you also have to battle Fibro - but as you say having an outlet is a great help.
      I've accepted you invitation for a visit & love your blog - we seem to have some common interests and I love the idea of Celebrating Oz. :)

      Delete
  6. Terri's Cards N More25 January 2014 at 11:02

    Hi Steffi! I have a friend with fibro and I know how debilitating it can be. Love your blog and your fantastic artwork. You are an inspiration to us all. If you have a chance take a peek at my blog as well. http://terriscardsnmore.blogspot.com

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    1. steffi25 January 2014 at 11:58

      Hi Terri - thanks for your visit and your kind words :)

      I'm just popping over to see yours.....

      Delete
  7. Donna Heber25 January 2014 at 13:20

    Hi Steffi,

    I'm visiting from the Grow Your Blog party. It is nice to meet you. I love to play with inks too! I plan to look around a bit more and then be on my way to visit the others. I do hope you will stop by for a visit and enter my giveaway. Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs – Donna

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    1. steffi31 January 2014 at 14:17

      Hi thanks for popping by - love your blog by the way!! :)

      Delete
  8. Unknown25 January 2014 at 18:24

    Hey there,
    Thanks for stopping my blog and I love some of your projects. I am now following and look forward to seeing what you post.
    Happy Crafting,
    -Gypsy!

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  9. Art and Sand25 January 2014 at 20:11

    I love that - "the only theme is that there is no theme".

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    1. steffi27 January 2014 at 05:51

      Thanks for visiting my blog :) I've been across to your's and love it - it is so vibrant and just feels really happy!!

      Delete
  10. Anonymous25 January 2014 at 21:45

    I think we probably have much in common....I'm so glad you've decided to blog to help you adjust to your new situation. Chronic pain is insidious...fighting it is a constant battle. Good for you to turn it into something positive! I'm here this evening as part of Vicki's GYB...but (as a former California governor has immortalized) I'll be back! Sara

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    1. steffi27 January 2014 at 05:29

      Thanks for visiting my blog Sara :) I've enjoyed looking through many of the GYB sites - it's such a good idea. I shall pop along to find yours too :)

      Delete
  11. quilty stitches26 January 2014 at 07:30

    Hi Steffi, visiting from GYB party....your creations are wonderful and I too dabble in many needlework forms to battle pain, (mine being osteoarthritis and bad back) will be following along, you can visit me at Babes and Brides blogspot if you like.

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    1. steffi27 January 2014 at 05:34

      Thanks for visiting my blog Kim, I've just been over to yours and it's lovely!!

      Delete
  12. Astrid Maclean28 January 2014 at 13:47

    Beautiful makes, all of them! Love the variation in your work!

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    1. steffi29 January 2014 at 09:51

      Thanks for that - having seen all your lovely work I really appreciate your comments :)

      Delete
  13. CatieAn28 January 2014 at 23:20

    Hi Steffi Am so happy I found your blog. We have a lot in common with the chronic pain and nursing. It was a terrible adjustment when I had to walk away. I tried to add to your follow button and for two days it doesn't work. Will keep coming back to follow.

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    1. steffi29 January 2014 at 09:54

      Hi - thanks for visiting my blog - it is as you say an difficult adjustment to make and even now I have days (weeks) when I take a few backward steps - hopefully this will keep me more focussed. Not sure why the follow option isn't working - is it the Google connect one or Bloglovin'?

      Delete
  14. Mokki29 January 2014 at 06:01

    A few of my relatives and friends have fibromyalgia, I know it can be debilitating. I have other health issues and creativity definitely keeps me on the straight and narrow with them too. I'm glad I found your blog, it's just up my street, I think of my self as an odd-job-lady of the creative world, I use allsorts of media too. I love how diverse your work is!

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    1. steffi29 January 2014 at 09:57

      Hi Mokki - nice to hear from you :) It's good that you have found that creativity also helps with your health issues - I think it's a great way to step away from it for a while.
      I really love your phrase of an 'odd-job lady of the creative world'!!

      Delete
  15. Carol D.29 January 2014 at 19:48

    Visiting from the GYB party. Enjoyed seeing all your craftiness, especially your quilt project. Joined as a new follower.

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  16. Unknown30 January 2014 at 07:41

    Hey, I love the name of your blog. Your work looks lovely, I really love the soft colors you used on the quilts posted below. I've noticed a lot of people on this blog hop have some medical issues. It is nice that you are so positive and keep moving on. Keep truckin. It has been nice getting to know you.

    Hugs
    Caroline

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    1. steffi31 January 2014 at 13:57

      Hi Caroline - thanks for stopping by. I have also seen that there are quite a few people with health issues on the blog hop - I think there must be something in the way you can write a blog that appeals :)

      Delete
  17. Ronda Walker30 January 2014 at 09:03

    Hello from California! Your blog is inspirational.

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    1. steffi31 January 2014 at 13:58

      Hi Ronda - thanks so much for visiting :)

      Delete
  18. Caitlin @ Naughts Cross Stitches30 January 2014 at 16:47

    It won't let me use GFC to follow you but I've added you to my feedly :D Nice to meet you :D

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    1. steffi31 January 2014 at 13:59

      Hi Caitlin - there seems to be an issue with the GFC follow - I will have to try deleting it and then adding it again. Thanks for adding me though :)

      Delete
  19. Jennifer's Vintage Paperie31 January 2014 at 20:00

    Hello! I love your quilt squares you show. I enjoyed reading about the different crafts you have done. You are truly a crafter.

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    1. steffi1 February 2014 at 13:47

      Hi Jennifer - thanks for visiting my blog :)

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  20. macmillanmarie1 February 2014 at 01:29

    Hi, nice to meet you. Thanks for sharing part of your life here. I have enjoyed getting to know you a little through your blog. You show some lovely work. Happy hopping!

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  21. Wendy1 February 2014 at 04:21

    Hi nice to meet you! You do a great range of crafts, you can't beat a bit of variety!

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    1. steffi6 February 2014 at 00:27

      Hi Wendy - thanks for stopping by. I totally agree - as they say 'variety is the spice of life'!!

      Delete
  22. ~ Toni ~5 February 2014 at 06:57

    Hi stopping by via GYBP. Enjoyed seeing your crazy quilt journaling. Have a wonderful day!

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    1. steffi6 February 2014 at 00:29

      Hi Toni - thanks for visiting - I've really enjoyed GYB and will certainly be joining in again if it runs next year :)

      Delete
  23. hula-la5 February 2014 at 08:12

    Hello...still making my way through the blog party list. Nice to see you have many talents here. Today I am going to knit and blog abit and sit by the fire and watch the snow continue to fall. Aloha

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    1. steffi6 February 2014 at 00:30

      Hi - thanks so much for visiting my blog - there are so many taking part in the GYB this year!! We've not got snow yet in the UK but sitting by the fire knitting sounds like a great plan to me :)

      Delete
  24. Diana5 February 2014 at 13:33

    Hi Steffi--I'm your newest follower :) Thanks for visiting me via the GYB party and for the kinds things you said about my art and photography. I, like you, am interested in all kinds of crafts. I love the ones you showed us, though bigger pictures would help me see the details!! (hint hint). I said a prayer for you today, for grace as you walk out your life changing condition. Blessings on you and your family, Diana

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    1. steffi6 February 2014 at 00:33

      Hi Diana - thanks for stopping by and for following me - I guess I'm still a bit nervous of showing my work hence the smallish photos :) I'll give bigger ones a whirl though and see how they look.

      Thank you also for your prayers - I am a great believer in the energy that positivity carries and truly appreciate this.

      Blessings to you ~ Steffi

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  25. overboardcreations9 February 2014 at 15:48

    I like all things creative n thrifty and I found you from the GYB party.
    I don’t have a lot of blog time in for I just started blogging when I joined the blog party it was my New Year resolution. 600 entries and I am Reading my 367 blog and more to go. Whew a lot of good read and great giveaways. My site http://overboardcreations.blogspot.com/and contact info is ovr_brd@yahoo.com

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