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12 Months of Crafting Motivation – January

Niki Baverstock

January has a habit of feeling a bit… flat.
For many of us, the grey and gloomy weather affects our moods.
I get into a rut and struggle to find motivation, which is exactly why I created 12 Months of Crafting Motivation.

The goal? Keep creativity flowing throughout the year while learning new techniques along the way.

What is 12 Months of Crafting Motivation?

This is a year-long project where, each month:

  • I share a motivational quote as a free SVG + Silhouette Studio file.
  • I post a video tutorial showing either:
    • Tips for cutting, weeding, or applying an HTV decal
    • Ways to enhance decals with rhinestones
    • Adding patterns, drop shadows, or other creative touches for print projects
  • I use Silhouette Studio, Affinity 3, or Cricut Design Space, all free to download and use.

The files themselves are simple; the creativity comes from how you use them.

The Sewing Project Behind the Scenes
My personal goal with this project is to create a patchwork panel.
To plan it, I created a digital mock-up to visualise colours, spacing, and placement before committing to the fabric.
I’ll be applying the decals to black cotton canvas fabric.
At the end of the year, I’ll cut the panels and sew them together into a patchwork. How it’s finished, wall hanging, quilt, or something else, is a decision for later.

January’s Quote
This month’s quote is: Stop Doubting, Start Doing
Simple, yet powerful. Often, we delay projects because we doubt ourselves, our skills, our ideas, or whether something is “good enough. Most doubts disappear the moment we actually get started.
This quote felt like the perfect way to kick off the series.

Download the Free File
You can grab January’s file for free on my Ko-fi page:
https://ko-fi.com/s/e651e232af
Available as both SVG and Silhouette Studio files

Watch the Video
The full January video walks through:

  • The project overview
  • The digital mock-up
  • Fabric prep
  • Applying the decal

What’s Next?
Each month, I’ll add a new quote and new techniques for using the files.
Whether you follow along month by month or binge the playlist later in the year, the goal is simple: keep creating, keep learning, and keep moving forward.

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