Closing out 2024

2024 was a year of firsts and leaning into the uncomfortable. In February I agreed to my first pottery commission. 9 vases for shipment to Houston, Texas, It pushed me into territory I hadn’t explored before. I was throwing items larger than I had ever attempted and in shapes I was not trained to shape. It came with its share of failures but ended with some beautiful pieces that set me up to explore new shapes for the rest of the year. I completed a few more commissions toward the end of the year, brie cheese molds and shot glasses. Such fun items to make. I am so glad I decided to lean into the scary parts of crafting items specifically requested from others. I enjoyed the challenge and the trust that others placed in me to deliver something special.

Flower business wise, this was a successful year of growing more of fewer things. It allowed me to bring items at scale to the markets and consistently have some of the same product from market to market. I really enjoyed learning to grow new crops such as cress and strawflower. The Floret Original zinnias were some of my favorites of this year. But what trumped it all, was growing dahlias from my own collected seeds and producing a lavender bloom (see photo below) that I am very excited to grow out the next few years. I also was honored to be asked to style a sympathy bouquet from my flowers and hand deliver it locally.

I ended this season by participating in the Snohomish Winterfest market. Yet again, taking a chance on something I hadn’t attempted before, a two day market. I sold pottery and dried flower crafts such as wreaths, garlands and ornaments. It turned out to be the best sales of the year. I learned this year that I do not want to participate in one off markets. I would rather invest my time and energy into markets such as the Winterfest market where people are coming to shop, not just wandering around town and happening upon a market. The time investment it takes to participate in a market is so costly, both from a business standpoint but also from a personal standpoint. I want to work smarter in 2025 and only commit to things that are worth it from a business standpoint. My time with my family is too important not to.

I hope to see you in person in 2025 and if not, I hope you reach out for a commission or special order bouquet.