Hello June! Mid-Summer Messages from Barefoot Bindery.

Its a philosophical one this month!

Taking a Hike

A few years ago, I walked the Hadrian's Wall National Trail end to end in 5 days with my dearest Chum. Most of it in those trail sandals just like a Roman. The relentless physical and emotional challenge of that long walk is, without doubt, the hardest and also the most brilliant thing I have done so far in my life. I am so grateful for all the things I learned from the experience, mainly that you can achieve much more than you think you can if you focus on one step, then the next and then the next.... you get the idea. This philosophy is one of the underpinning values of my creative business, and one of the reasons for the name "Barefoot Bindery"!

We could not have completed that hike without our support crew, and without the companionship and encouragement we gave each other. My Chum taught me the value of stopping to pause and appreciate the view behind us, to recognise how far we have come and celebrate that; another lesson that is valuable in life as well as hiking.

Why am I writing this to you now? I hear you ask!

Here's why...

This June I am celebrating the 1 year anniversary of setting up my Bindery-Studio at Fisherton Mill in Salisbury. And a bit like committing to walk 84 miles from one side of England to the other, taking the studio was a bold step for my fledgling business. And a bit like that long walk, the last year has been full of single steps and emotional challenges that are very easy to focus on instead of the achievements.

So, I have been taking a look back over my shoulder at how far Barefoot Bindery has come and want to thank you for being along for the journey. Your interest, encouragement and custom is very much appreciated. I encourage you to take the first step towards something your heart desires, and keep walking towards it.

Check in with me and tell me how it's going, I'd love to know!

How does your Garden Grow?

On Saturday I posted one of my regular "Mindful Moment" reels on Instagram, showing a small part of our garden where self-seeded Welsh poppies bring point of brightness. Comparing gardening to life, I reflected that it is a collaboration with nature with choices about what we plant, what we encourage to grow and beings we discourage.

The last year for Barefoot Bindery has been like digging a new  veg plot. Preparing the ground and testing out ideas, planting some working practices, putting down some roots and bedding in.

One year in, I have a better idea of my capacity, what you, my clients appreciate and what I actually enjoy working on.

I feel I know what I am doing now and have grown in confidence to dig in, to weed out some things and enrich the soil of my business with some investment. Look out for a "proper" logo soon and there's new merchandise in the pipeline. Also I am I am planning to lift and divide Barefoot Bindery from www.tamsinloveday.com

What is definitely staying in the mix is creative workshops.

One of the ways I fulfil my mission to help people reconnect with their inner creative spark is though designing and sharing opportunities for creativity. I am passionate about the wellbeing benefits of doing creative things and warmly invite you to come along to a workshop. Invest in yourself and try out something new to enrich your garden! Here's a link to my Eventbrite listings to learn more. There are several new projects on offer including a family friendly "Story Scroll" session in the August Holidays, and more for the Autumn being listed soon.

Mid-Summer Messages

Barefoot Bindery is the subject of a lovely feature in the Homes and Gardens section of New Valley News this month. The article by Katrina Ffiske talks about my book repair service. Keep a look out in local shops to pick up a copy.

Did you know that some Scots call shopping "messages"? Well here is an exclusive shopping opportunity (see what I did there) coming up on Saturday 6th August. I am taking Barefoot Bindery to Wessex Country Fair at Wilton House, the only face to face market I an planning on doing this year. I will be bringing along a brand new range of beautiful handmade books and other surprises so why not come along. It promises to be a fabulous event.

 https://www.wessexcountryfair.co.uk