Back in June 2013, I started studying for a Diploma of Interior Design through the National Design Academy (NDA).  It is a distance learning course that you need to complete within a year and comprises 10 units (see my previous post). 

I have a full-time job and thought I could do this in the evenings. It was very interesting but a lot more work than I had anticipated.  There was a lot of research required (on the web and books) in order to submit up to six assignments for every unit. It was fascinating work but at times it was a hard — coming home after a long day in the office, having supper and sitting back down in front of a computer most evenings was not my idea of fun!  However it was worth it in the end to achieve a qualification that allows me to work as an interior designer, interior decorator or similar. Not that I'm planning to ditch my day job to do this but it's good to have this qualification if I want to make a career change. It gave me a huge amount of satisfaction and sense of achievement and it was worth it if only for those reasons.

I've just about finished re-designing my own sitting room which has taken about as long as it's taken me to complete the diploma. It's been marvellous being able to use the skills and experience I gained through the studying in the re-design of my sitting room.

Of course I could go on to study for one of their foundation degrees which include Interior Design, Heritage Interior Design & Retail Design. These qualifications are awarded by Staffordshire University and are composed of eight modules. The Foundation Degree is equivalent to the first two years of a full time BA degree studied at university but it is delivered in exactly the same way as the Diploma, as long distance learning.  But I have a day job and the thought of more evenings spent studying is NOT something I relish :)

Now that I've finished studying I can get back to painting furniture with my favourite Annie Sloan paint. I haven't painted anything in seven months and I can't wait to start painting again and get the creative juices flowing.  I shall bring all the equipment down from my loft and set myself up on the kitchen table this weekend and start painting. I have a full length mirror to paint but I've not yet decided what colour.  I adore Annie Sloan paint as it's so easy to use (check out my previous posts on Annie Sloan).

So, I'm now The Flair Fairy (Bachelor of Music, Diploma of Interior Design)!  Who knows where I go from here. Watch this space!!