I love the fresh start of the new year and the hopeful sense of possibility. Some years I get a little carried away, thinking of 20 different things that I can try, improve, and add to my life. In the midst of all these attempts at doing better, it can be refreshing and freeing to take time to do something that is not on my to do list.

Maybe it seems counterproductive to use precious time for something that is not essential but that’s an important thing that’s not on my list: leaving room for inspiration and experimentation. Although I try to stay focused on the projects and work that need to get done, I find that I am most productive when I have time and space to work on the things I am excited about.

Over the weekend I had a little bit of time to play and used it to make a portable utensil pouch. Some of you may remember the portable placemats I used to make? It was time for a little design update. Sadly I have not been carrying one with me all these years, but I am determined to now. For those times when we are eating on the go it is so much better to reach into my bag for reusables than to have to use something that I will quickly throw away.

It still needs a button and loop to keep it closed, but I hastily made this silly video to show you. What can I say, I was raised on Teeny Little Super Guy.

What are you excited about for the coming year?