Happy 2026! One Year of Crafting and Our Big Plans for the Future!

Hello, my fellow creators! I am so incredibly excited to welcome you back to Fran’s Friends as we kick off a brand-new year. Can you believe it’s already 2026? They say the older you get, the faster the years fly by, and I am certainly starting to believe it!

Today is a very special day for us—it’s the first anniversary of our crafting journey together on the website. Looking back at 2025, I am just blown away by what we achieved. We produced over 106 detailed videos, ranging from handmade bears and dolls to home decor like pillows and toys. It’s been a whirlwind of creativity, and I want to thank every one of you who joined me for the ride.

But we’re just getting started! Here is a look at what I have in store for January and the rest of this amazing year ahead.

---

New Year, New Skills: Our 2026 Vision

This year, my big goal is to encourage even more new crafters to jump in and join our creative process. While we’ll keep making the projects you love, I want to dive deeper into the technical side of crafting.

• Skills & Techniques: I’ll be focusing more on the “how” and “why” behind what we do.
• Going Vertical: Keep an eye out for more “Shorts”—quick, bite-sized videos focused on specific skills and techniques that you can master in minutes.
• The Green Crafter: We are launching a series dedicated to recycling, upscaling, and upcycling! I want to show you how to take everyday items like old bottles and cans and turn them into something beautiful and unique.

---

Inspiration is Everywhere (Even at the Coffee Shop!)

One of my favorite things about being a crafter is that I find inspiration in the most unexpected places. For example, while walking the seawall the other day, I stopped for coffee and met two lovely ladies with the most incredible sculptured, blinged-out nails.

I don’t even wear nail polish, but I couldn’t stop thinking: How can I use those textures and glitters in my projects? They were kind enough to let me take photos of their hands, and I’m already researching how to translate that “nail art” aesthetic into our multimedia crafts.

I’ve also been looking at using vintage finds from estate sales—think using old knives, forks, or spoons as appendages for whimsical animals!

---

January Project Spotlight

I always have a few things “on the needles” (or the sewing machine!), and this month is no different:

1. The Nautical Snail Inspired by a masterclass from the talented Lisa Pay, I’m working on a snail project. Since my guest room is decorated in a nautical motif, I’m scaling up the pattern and using specific fabric textures and colors to make sure this little guy fits perfectly on the bedside table. It’s all about pulling a room together!

2. The Year of the Christmas Table Last year, we did a wonderful advent calendar. This year, I’m trying something different. I have a beautiful cotton Christmas tablecloth that I’ve owned for 25 years. Every month, I’ll be creating a new piece of table decor. By December 2026, we will have a complete, handmade, tree-themed Christmas table setting ready to go!

---

Expanding Our Creative Circle

I want to make this year more interactive than ever. We’re looking at ways to open up the website to the public and connect more with our followers.

One idea I’m really excited about is a Q&A and Research Section. If there is a specific project you’ve always wanted to try but don’t know where to start, you can send it to me! I’ll do the deep-dive research into the resources and techniques needed and report back to you with a plan to bring your vision to life.

---

Let’s Get Creating!

I want 2026 to be awesomely creative, productive, and—above all—a wonderful experience for all of us. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just picking up a needle for the first time, there is a place for you here at Fran’s Friends.

Thank you for being part of our first year. Let’s make the second one even better!

Watch the full update here: https://youtu.be/owecYukxiAk

Bye for now! — Fran