Choose 2005 as your personal year of culture and make some craft inspired New Year resolutions.  Here are a few suggestions from craftscotland to help you tap into your creative side.

Go and see one craft event or exhibition every month. 

There are craft events happening all over Scotland throughout the year.  Discover the ‘Dangers of Knitting’ or visit makers in their own studios during the ‘Spring Fling’.  It’s all there to be experienced and enjoyed.  And don’t forget the collections in museums across Scotland.  Find out more about what you can see and where on our Events and Crafts News pages.

Have a go and learn a craft yourself. 

Edinburgh College of Art, Glasgow School of Art, Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen and Duncan of Jordanstone in Dundee all run a mixture of evening classes and summer schools for people interested in learning a craft such as ceramics, textile design, jewellery or glass as a recreational activity.  Why not find out more and give it a try.

Find new inspiration.

If you are already a maker, why not learn a new technique or find new inspiration through a residency or overseas visit, such as paper artist, Joanne Kaar (pictured above) who spent three months on a residency in a University in Taiwan.  Read more about her experience in our feature or find out about other opportunities for makers on our Opportunities and Training page.

Buy some craft. 

Take advantage of the new Scottish Arts Council’s Own Art scheme currently running in nine galleries across Scotland, which offers interest free loans of up to £2000.  Why not buy the piece of craft you have always longed to buy – whether it is jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles or silver – now is the time to do it.  Then spend the rest of year enjoying it.  Find our more about the scheme and participating galleries in our news story and discover about exhibitions at the galleries on our Events page.   Alternatively, if you don't want to take advantage of the scheme, why not browse our database of makers in Scotland and get in touch with them directly.

Get your views heard.

Respond to the Cultural Commission.  Whatever your interest in craft – as a professional or as someone who simply enjoys craft events - this is your chance to tell them what you think and make a difference.  Find out more about the Cultural Commission and give your views on their website.