NEEDLEWORKMONDAY YEAR END CHALLENGE! || 2023 FLOWER BOUQUET GOALS

Welcome, dear hivers, to the grand finale of 2023!

As we approach the start of a new year, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the rollercoaster ride that has been in the last 12 months.

Let's have a pause and take a look back at the highlights, low points, and surprising turns that made 2023 a year to remember.

But first, let me expressed my gratitude to Crosheille as well as the whole staff of Needleworkmonday, who never ceases to think of all the amazing contests for the whole year round that all needleworkers around the globe had able to participate and enjoy their craft while showcasing it here. Again, thank you Needleworkmonday team for the job well done. 😊😘

Now let me start the RECAP!

_{Edited on Canva}

On the 1st of January 2023, I made some goals and one of them was to create more and enhance my crochet skills in making crocheted flower bouquets and sell them. During that time, I had a hard time on wrapping the flower bouquets. But it didn't stop me from my goal.

Days passed as I received some crochet flower bouquets orders, I then set a goal of making 50 pieces of bouquets for this year 2023. At the end of the month (January), I was able to make 15 pieces of it.

_{(Some of the 1st 15pcs Crocheted Flower Bouquets I made in the month of January.)}

I didn't expect to reach my goal so soon. Right after the Valentine's Day, I sold a total of 50 pieces crocheted flower bouquets. I did hit my goal in a very short time and still accepting orders for the next coming days. I'm in so much awe that time and it fueled me to do more.

I realized then that by setting up a goal with definite number to reach and a timeframe is really an effective way of challenging oneself. In that way, we were able to discover our capabilities.

_{(The following crochet flower bouquets were part of the 50 pieces flower bouquet goal.)}

After I successfully reached my 50 pieces flower bouquets goal, I decided to make another goal. That time I decided to make my own design of wearables and learn to make a pattern for that design. I boldly challenge myself again thinking that I could do it.

Now, I'm disappointed with myself knowing that I didn't succeed on this one. Why? Because, I didn't attempt to start it. Again, I was too focused on orders, and the hype of wanting to make more crochet flowers was still on me that time.

I then came to the realization that a goal ought to be aligned with the first one when it is set after the first one has been reached. I mean, if my first goal was to make 50 pieces flower bouquets and was able to reached it sooner than I expected then my next goal should still pertains on flower bouquets. Like, leveling up the way of wrapping the flowers by using different wrappers or making more big bouquets in different themes. Maybe I was able to focused my energy and be able to succeed. Truly, that if you focus on one thing alone, you then will see MORE improvements.

I also had the opportunity to display all of my crocheted goods in our Sagay City, Philippines, tourism shop during the last week of March. I felt privileged to broaden my horizons and increase my sales. Among my creations are crocheted bouquets of flowers, little flower keychains, earrings, and various accessories.

Then on the following months, during Mother's Day, Graduation day, and Teacher's day, I also received crochet flower bouquets from random customers. I only received their orders online and delivered their orders on the date we both agreed.

I also made a mini tulip keychains in different colors. Then, I decided to wrap it like the usual size of single tulip being wrapped. I've seen some tulip keychain designs online, but they weren't wrapped. Many crafters from my facebook group had expressed their liking to my design and wanted to recreate them. They said that it's best for birthday/wedding souvenirs.

Days, weeks and months had passed, more online orders for flower bouquets were received as gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and marriage proposals for their loved ones.

I was so happy that many clients had trusted me to customize their chosen flower bouquets. I am pleases that despite the distance, they still chose me to do it.

I also received my first ever return-to-sender parcel. It broked me and thought that the customer didn't like what I made for her. (I'll tell you the whole story about it on my next post, so stay tuned.)

I then decided to make my 1st ever business card. Though I don't think if it's really necessary since I only transact online, but I kinda like what I did. And I did put one card in every big bouquet I made. (Just mimicking a true flower shop here with their business card being sticked on the upper left or right side of the flower bouquets.😅)

_{Edited on Canva}

I also made some butterfly bouquet (a bouquet consist of 10 pieces butterflies). It wasn't my idea but from one of my customer. Since I had this habit of not refusing an order from a customer, I also tried it and made at least 4 pieces of butterfly bouquet. It looks beautiful but then I still preferred making the crochet flower bouquet. Flowers have a greater impact for me.

On the last two months, I've been experimenting on the different tulip and rose crochet patterns as I have shared the following post in here.

Different Patterns of Crochet Tulip (Part 1)

Different Patterns of Crochet Tulip (Part 2)

Rose Crochet Flower Pattern

Having achieved my objective for 2023, I am now motivated to set a more audacious aim for this year, 2024. My goal for this year is to complete 100–200 crocheted flower bouquets throughout the year. In addition, I want to learn more about the many kinds of flowers and be able to portray them like the actual flowers as possible.

This time, I will be focusing all my energy and passion in crocheting flowers and wrapping it into a beautiful bouquets. And let's see what will happen if this year is over.

Happy Holidays to all of you and may the coming year bring you all blessings. 😘