Around The World Blog Hop

Good morning dear friends & readers 

  . . . & "welcome to a bright shiny new week"

I have been invited by my friend Shane to join in this "Around the World blog hop"
Although Shane & I have never met up in person (yet) I feel we have become good friends, albeit, blogging friends.
I really enjoy Shane's blog & her photo mosaics are a special favorite of mine

Do pop over to Shane's blog & say Hello won't you ... its a really lovely place to visit.
Way back in March of this year, I had an Angel Giveaway & The Mr drew Shane's name out of the teapot.
And then, out of the blue one day, the most delightful box of treasures arrived in the post, a surprise from Shane, 
read about it here

I have been asked to answer 4 questions as part of the blog hop ...

(1) How does my writing/creative process work?

No weeks, or even two days, are ever the same here at My Threadbear Life.  Running my rustic little craft cottage from the garden here at our rural property, can bring a diverse mix of days & encounters. I have tried to get into the habit of taking my camera with me where-ever I go, which has been the great thing about blogging, as I now photograph my work (whereas before my blog I always forgot).
From helping on the farm somedays, to gardening, painting my Op Shop "treasures", hosting groups or just spending time in my sewing room ... I really enjoy the diversity of the days & draw my creativity from the entirely different aspects of all of these things

(2) Why do I create what I do?

This is an easy question . . .  I really, really love it.  Its that simple.
I honestly enjoy what I do. And when I no longer feel like that about it . . . I will know its time to stop.
Anyone who pursues craft related pastimes will know, if you choose to sell your work, you never, ever get your time back, so you must really have a passion for it, in order to continue to do this kind of work.
 I also really enjoy being at home so running a home-based business suits me perfectly.

(3) How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I dont really think I work in any particular genre.
My craft related activities tend to jump around all over the place as I go from working on a primitive project, to some stitchery, to perhaps something a little more shabby chic, then off to dehydrate fruit or paint my thrifted vintage finds.
I tend to find this "hopscotch" style of work suits me now. I used to really focus alot more on one particular project or work in one medium, whereas now I jump about all over the place.  I think this may feel somewhat "unstructured" to some people, but I also find I can end up with a variety of completed projects & be okay about enjoying the process along the way.

(4) What am I working on now?

Currently I am trying to complete some christmas projects as I would love to do a bigger christmas area in the Cottage come early November.
(however, I think it only fair to admit ... I think this every single year & have yet to achieve it!!!)

I have been making some more matchbox mice like the ones I posted about here

And also stitching the gorgeous Natalie Bird design "Making Spirits Bright" that I was given for my birthday by my friend Bev

stitched using Cottage Garden Thread Waratah

And now its my turn to introduce the 3 bloggers who have agreed to take part in continuing the "Around the World blog hop"
I would especially like to thank them all for taking part as it can be daunting when first asked, but I have really enjoyed joining in here today.

For my first participant we jump across the Tasman Sea to Australia & welcome the very talented Bev from the blog Welcome to Kainga Happenings ... Bev writes on a variety of topics from her amazing patchwork & embroidery to her cooking & gardening pursuits. 
I love the little verse on her header "come, let us have some tea & talk about happy things" . . .

My second blogger today is my lovely swap friend Anne from the blog NANA GoGo - all the way across the oceans & miles to Scotland we go. Do pop in & say Hello to Anne, her blog is a very enjoyable place to visit.

I especially love this little verse on Anne's sidebar

And lastly (all the way back to New Zealand again), I would like to welcome Wendy - a lovely friend who lives in my region - from the gorgeous blog Charlotte's Web
Wendy & I originally met through our blogs & I thoroughly enjoy it when we get the opportunity to catch up from time to time. 
Wendy too, is a talented girl who does beautiful stitchery, knitting, crochet & all manner of crafty things ...

Do go visit these 3 lovely girls, tell them I sent you please
They will be posting next Monday 29th September
Thanks so much for your visit today & reading my lengthy post
Thanks also to Shane for inviting me to take part.
Wishing you all a great week ahead filled with all that you wish for ...
with love & friendship,
Julie x0x0