"Inspiration Wall" by simply photo.

10. Stay organized. Most of us are guilty of letting our craft space get messy on occasion. By designating a place for every item – a basket for yarn; a shelf for books; a coffee can for miscellanea – you will inevitably relieve yourself of clutter and find more time to focus on your craft.

9. Keep your tools in good condition. Your tools are in some sense the lifeblood of your trade and will make or break a project if they are not well-maintained. Keep your sewing machine oiled, your scissors sharp and your paintbrushes clean.

8. Document your work. Regardless of whether or not you sell your goods it is essential to document what you make. Here are some wonderful tips for photographing your work.

7. Track your expenses and earnings. A well-designed spreadsheet with formulas that automatically calculate your profits and losses is a blessing. Even if you’re not selling your work, you can at least stay on top of what you’re spending.

6. Be a mench. Consider donating your crafts to a non-profit fundraiser, or your unused craft supplies to organizations that will use them.

5. Try something new. Even if knitting is your thing, why not take a class in metalsmithing or plan your next vacation around a week of printmaking? A new skill may inform what you’re already doing in ways you never imagined.

4. Stare at the wall. A fundamental component of any craft space or studio is ample wall space for hanging inspirational images, notes, newspaper articles and sketches. I use a big piece of cork board where I pin postcards, snapshots or whatever strikes my fancy.

3. Take a breather. Close your laptop, turn off the lights in your craft space, and walk away from your scissors from time to time. Go for a walk, watch some television or do something else that is totally un-crafty - some of the best ideas come when you least expect them.

2. Walk to the beat of your own drummer. Do your own thing and never ignore the urge to experiment. Even when it seems like everything has already been done, just remember that no one sees the world through your eyes.

1. Create for yourself. If you were the only person who could see what you made, would you still make it? Forget about social feedback or profit for a minute and ask yourself if you are in fact working to please yourself.

Have a happy and healthy New Year!