Looking back at 2018 - Part 2

Last week on we took a look back through our Instagram feeds to remember all the amazing things that happened for the Sparks and Daughters family from January to June. This week as 2018 draws to its final close, in part two of this blog, we look at July to December.

July

Deborah (@nannasparks): Having celebrated the 10 year anniversary of our business in 2017, I decided to spend the Summer of 2018 prioritising my personal time by finishing projects, discovering new places and spending time with my most loved ones. The summer was so wonderful this year and I am so glad that I was able to do all of those things. I can honestly say it was a season of creating special memories that I will treasure forever.

This year we have had the pleasure of creating clothing for a number of small businesses. Being a family business, we know how important it is to support one another, especially in the creative community and so it was especially lovely to create items that played just a small part in helping someone pursue their creative dream.

Verity (@mummasparks): Tilly has surprised me month after month this year with her curiosity about the world around her. Her creativity and her inquisitive mind have shown me, little by little, glimpses of the person she is growing into and Lex and I are fascinated to see what comes next.

August

Deborah (@nannasparks): This year I fell in love with travel. Not that I didn't love it before, it's just this year, I was lucky to be able to visit more new places both at home and abroad than ever.

Verity (@mummasparks): I could probably dedicate an entire blog post to the fruits and vegetables we inherited with the garden at our new house! We've enjoyed so many tasty things from our garden and it's been a joy to discover new recipes and things to do with it all. Even when the kitchen was overflowing with grapes at the end of the summer and it felt like we were drowning in fruit!

September

Verity (@mummasparks): Tilly began her final year of Pre-School in September and we launched a new collection of School bags and accessories that used my Flower Crown Rabbit design. I especially loved how they turned out!

Deborah (@nannasparks): Jon and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary in Venice. This trip was truly one of the highlights of my year and is one I will never forget.

October

Deborah (@nannasparks): October is Breast Cancer awareness month. At the start of 2018, I made the decision to use my Instagram to speak openly about my personal cancer journey and it's been truly rewarding. I have connected with many other similar people and some wonderful organisations that who work tirelessly to support all kinds of people fighting cancer. This inspired me to create a product that allowed me to help make a difference and the 'Message of Strength Scarf' was a wonderful way to contribute.

We entered our first business awards this year and were delighted to be shortlisted as one of three finalists in the 'Family Business of the Year' category at the Somerset Business Awards. It was an amazing experience and although we didn't win, we enjoyed the entire process. We will definitely be entering again next year!

Verity (@mummasparks): Living out in the countryside has allowed me to enjoy the changing seasons from my garden. So far Summer has turned to Autumn and now Winter. Spring isn't far away and I am excited to see the changes to come.

November

The Botanical Blanket continues to be one of our most popular products and in 2018 our customers got more creative than ever with decorating their milestone photos. This is just a few of the Autumnal-themed ones we have enjoyed.

Deborah (@nannasparks): This year I have been working on decorating different areas of my home. Taking the time to create the kinds of calm spaces I can enjoy after a very busy day in the studio has been truly therapeutic in itself.

Verity (@mummasparks): Little moments like this have helped to make 2018 extra special for me. So much has happened this year and it's been wonderful, but those quiet moments spent with my Till-Bear have been the best.

December

Deborah (@nannasparks): December is always a hectic month in our studio. That's why I like to spend the spare time that I do have to enjoy family traditions, especially with my Grandchildren. Moments like this are what help keep us grounded when the month is whizzing by in a blur!

Team Sparks pulled together to deliver a top Christmas! Well done team!

Verity (@mummasparks): One of the things we say at Sparks and Daughters is that 'Family is at the heart of everything we do'. This year, that has also been true for our personal lives. Keeping our hearts focused on what's truly important has created a year's worth of magic and memories that 2019 is going to have a tough time trying to beat!