#ThrowbackThursday is one of those social media trends that comes and goes. Some people are really into it and post a throwback picture regularly on Thursdays. Everybody’s enthusiasm and motivation is different, and that’s what makes it really interesting for me.

I’m not one of the devout ‘throwbackers’, but now and again I find an old Photo of something that I made ages ago. In many cases it will have been filed away in my memory and seeing the photo brings back lots of memories…what inspired me to make it, some of the people who bought it, the feedback I got for it, etc. As a business, I have to adjust to the climate and analyse the numbers. Business is mostly about demand and supply. We can’t deny that and we can’t pretend it has nothing to do with that. Passion plays a big part in what I do, of course, but numbers (the stats) are important as well. If something isn’t very popular, I have to make less of that product and put my energy into the things people are loving, especially if the unpopular product takes me ages to make and uses up a lot of materials. Of course, if someone really wants something that I no longer/never stock on a regular basis, I’m always happy to make it as a custom order.

I really like the idea of Throwback Thursday. It’s not just a case of going down memory lane. Yes, it can bring back good memories and we can have a laugh whilst remembering some of the weird and wonderful things we did back in the day. However, I see Throwback Thursday as an opportunity to look back and reflect on things, whether good or bad, funny or weird. In most cases I’ve had nothing but great memories about a product and whatever else was going on in my life and my business at the time. An example was when I discovered the world of Waldorf dolls. Wow, that was an incredible experience. I got to know of so many creative and talented artists. I used to make jumpers, hats and other knitted and crocheted doll clothing and accessories. That was many years ago and whilst that was a beautiful experience, I don’t see myself going back and rejoining that community. My passion is making teatime accessories and that’s what I know best.

Throwback Thursdays have also reminded me of how awful my earlier product photos were. I’ve seen photos of some of the products I listed in my Etsy shop when I started out, and I’ve often howled with laughter, occasionally felt incredibly ashamed and sometimes downright shocked at how awful they were. Sometimes I’m surprised people even bought those things! But, I put it down to inexperience and a really bad phone camera. Hahaha! I know…excuses, excuses! The reviews were always good though, and that always makes me feel better. Seeing those terrible photos reminds me of the importance of good product photos. I’m certainly not the best at it and I have a lot to learn, but at least I know when a photo is really awful and I try my best to improve my skills. As I’m writing this blog post, I’ve made a conscious decision to start using my proper camera again from time to time.

So, what has inspired me to post about throwbacks today? Thinking about the future. It may sound a bit strange and a bit wonky, but it’s true. I believe that the past can inspire the present and future. Sometimes I look back at things that I have created and I think about how to either improve them or add a bit of a twist to make them a bit different. That has led to more ideas and more brainstorming sessions than I can count. I love how the simple act of looking at an old photo can clear my designer’s fog and inspire me to create. It can be hard sometimes, when you really want to design something new but your mind just keeps coming up with blanks. It can slow you down or even put you off, which is never a good thing. Getting that rush of motivation, passion and inspiration all rolled into one is such a good feeling.

We don’t always have to look far to find that inspiration. Take my latest Cup Cosy design for example. I have been wanting to make cup cosies for takeaway cups for ages, but I wasn’t sure how I wanted them to look. That was until one day I just picked up my hook and yarn and started playing around with them, whilst looking at an old photo of a knitted cup cosy I made years ago. I had stopped making them because they didn’t really bring me joy. I’ve been making mug cosies for a while, and my latest cup cosy design has been inspired by my mug cosy design. (See below)

Now, I have found my mojo again and I’m so excited to introduce a new item for the inventory. I’m having so much fun making the cup cosies and I can’t wait to get my hands on more colours, so as to expand the line. They will be a staple in the shop, so if you don’t see one you like, just keep checking back. I’m going to do my utmost to make them in as many colours as possible, so that there is something for everyone.

So the next time you want to try something new…be it a crafting project, an art project, a recipe…and you can’t think of anything, look to the past and you may find inspiration there. You don’t always have to look far to find it.

I’m planning on reopening my Etsy shop soon. I am aiming to reopen it on the 4th of July, as long as it’s safe for me to do so. If you want to get more regular updates and product previews, come join me on Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter. You can also follow this blog and you will get email notifications whenever I post a new article.