Wow, I don’t know about anyone else, but this year just flew by. Maybe that is a feature of getting older. I didn’t really set goals last year, and I let my social media promotion take a serious dive. I do plan on setting some goals for 2026, focusing on making them realistic and enjoyable, but I have a few days to think about that list.
Today, I wanted to reflect on what went well. A gratitude share. Because although I didn’t set goals and I let the year fly by without taking much control, there were some wins.
First, despite reading in various vendor groups that no one has been buying, the 5th Annual Hyde Park Holiday Art Fair was quite successful. Judging from the email thread after the event, I was not the only one who thought so. This was my only in person event in 2025, and it is always invigorating to be out among fellow makers and artists. Being a neighborhood event, there is a real sense of community among the vendors and shoppers, and everyone is so kind and thoughtful, smiles and laughter abounds. Okay, I know that is super cheesy, but it really is true. I have a hard time imagining any other market could compare.
Second, although I have barely been promoting my work, I had several sales this year from people I do not know, even one I think found me on Google. Now, I am not one to dismiss my sales to family and friends. In fact, it is a point of pride for me when a friend spends their money on a piece that I have made. My friends are not the kind to buy something that don’t really love. That said, it is something quite different when a random person finds me on the internet or in the marketplace next to many other sellers and chooses an item from my shop. Dumb luck, maybe, but it makes me feel like my little shop is growing its reach.
Lastly, I recently woke up some dormant motivation and began organizing the closet in my craft room/office/library. It is just a start, but you have to start somewhere, and it gave me some direction. Having more space in the closet allowed me to clean up my craft table and a couple of shelves. While I still have a long way to go, the progress I have made so far has lifted a huge weight. Now when I look around, I am no longer overwhelmed and disheartened. Instead, I actually feel creative and productive in this space. It’s a welcome feeling, and it’s been a while. I just need to keep that momentum into the new year.
Here are a few things I have made recently and are available in my shop: https://mieloabelodesigns.com/
Please visit my shop blog for shop updates and new product information: https://blog.mieloabelodesigns.com/
Stay tuned for what comes next!