Beginnings are exciting as they offer the opportunity to start fresh with unlimited potential.
The beginning stage of a new project is my favorite part. While coming up with the concept anything is possible, nothing has been ruled out, yet. That is my thought about a new year as well. As 2018 begins (albeit one month ago) I feel the need to replenish myself, my creativity. Working on numerous projects last year was extremely rewarding. It is all-consuming at times however leaving me a bit bereft of fresh ideas.
In order to be ready for new projects this year some new inspiration is required. The recipe for this consists of :
Reading.
Here is the top of my current list of books to tackle.
Most are serious guides to making one’s life better. The last book is a light possibly scandalous read to counteract all that goodness.
Physical use of one’s hands to create something tangible is so satisfying.

Clematis by Livia Cetti. (Photo: The Green Vase)
Last December, Little Augury put out Christmas gift lists made by herself and a few guest creatives. Gaye listed paper flowers by Livia Cetti as a gift she would want herself.

Deluxe Paper Flower Making Kit from Livia Cetti. (Photo: The Green Vase)

The Exquisite Book of Paper Flower 2 shows what to do with the above purchase. (Photo: The Green Vase)
Needlepoint has been a lifelong hobby of mine.

My Syrian flower chairs in need of some seat love.
These amazing chairs are not justly served with this underwhelming plain linen. I decided they need needlepoint seats with some local flora or fauna. One chair will have a snake. The other possibly a bird, butterfly or flower.

Referencing my backyard friends with some creative color licensing for a chair seat.
My family is suffering from an overdose of the same old recipes. For Christmas, I gave my elder daughter the Malibu Farm cookbook. I am enjoying making my way through the book cooking Helene’s delicious recipes. Her shrimp with carrot-ginger coconut sauce and basil-honey lemonade are two of my favorites so far. Next up is the raw zucchini salad.

Malibu Farm’s Shrimp with Carrot-Ginger Coconut Sauce. (Photo: Martin Löf)

Malibu Farm’s Raw Zucchini Salad. (Photo: Martin Löf)
My new year is beginning to look promising. Hope yours is full of new creative experiences.
Casa V can give your home a fresh start for a more beautiful 2018.