Dawn Turner Designs

Hmm, so now I know why I should post more often – so I don’t have to remember several things at once!  Now I’ve got open studios to plan for, fit in a workshop and get ready for a Sunday event, all in the same weekend.

I couple of weeks ago, I trialled a new workshop with a lovely lady, Michaela, and her family.  I met Kayla a few weeks before when she and her friend came along to a glass fusing day, and when collecting the work, we talked about the different types of sessions I was planning.  One of which is a short class where students wouldn’t have to learn to cut glass, they’d be assembling from pre-cut pieces, so Kayla offered to be a guinea pig for me!

She and her daughters made some fabulous pieces on this three hour workshop – my rubbish photographs below don’t do the work justice – and it went down very well, so there will be more soon.  These shorter sessions should appeal on many levels – for those with less time, or those who are hesitant or feel really nervous about cutting glass; for younger people, or those with hand strength issues.  It’s a more cost effective way of learning about some key glass fusing techniques before committing to a full day – you will have more understanding of what you could achieve.

I’ll be publishing more dates soon, but meanwhile, on Saturday 17th, I’m taking part in the Shed 2 Studios September Social, which is part of a wider event in Erewash, Creative 10 Celebrations.  Come along for cake, a cuppa a chat and of course, a nosy round.  We’re open from 11am to 5pm but before that, I am doing an Early Bird Workshop – Glass Fusing Taster Session, only £15 – make your own sun-catcher/colour stick.  No glass cutting required, all items will be ready cut, but you choose your designs.   It runs from 9am to 11am, then you’re welcome to stay and look around the Open Studios afterwards.

Booking is essential, which you can do here (you don’t need a Paypal account, you can pay with a debit or credit card as well).  If you need any more info, get in touch on the contact page.

And finally, as if a workshop and an open studio isn’t enough, on the Sunday 18th September, I am taking part in the first ever Duffield Arts Festival – I’ll be displaying some of my glasswork, along side about 15 other artists and makers in Ecclesbourne School.  This is one of many venues with lots going on over the weekend, from craft shows to workshops, art, live music, food and of course, a scarecrow trail!

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I’ve been really busy with workshops, both fusing and in the community, I will post some photos soon, along with some new class dates.   I’ve also got my work in some more galleries, so there’s a couple of stockists now added to the list of places you can see some of my pieces.

Many galleries are owned by artists/makers themselves, and I find they are all supportive, and helpful not only to customers to find the perfect gift or piece of art, but to the artists, designers and makers that supply work.  It’s in the best interests of the galleries and those who stock them to work together and promote each other.

Of those galleries that stock my work throughout the year, two are members of the Good Galleries Guide, along with a third who stocks my Christmas range.  The Good Galleries Guide is a group of seven East Midlands indepedant galleries who are working together to promote good practices and to promote British craftsmanship.  Along with those galleries not in the East Midlands, each one is unique and special, and I am pleased to be working with them all.

Itch Gallery, Rutland – run by Jenny Creasey, an artist/maker herself, Jenny has grown the gallery since taking over, having to move to new premises last year.

Emporium Gallery, Lichfield – Amanda & Janette run this elegant gallery on Bird St in the heart of the city, and a couple of minutes walk from the unusual, three-spired cathedral.

Studio 61 at Holloway, between Crich & Cromford, on the edge of the Peak District has beautiful views over the Derbyshire countryside – pop in for a cuppa and meet Karina, who will most likely be painting, kept company by the gallery dog, Bruno.

Gallery 23 at Staleybridge.  Run by partners Christine and Peter who themselves are an artist and photographer, this gallery specialises in original fine art, photography and ceramics – they offer expert advice, bespoke framing and weekly art classes.

During the Christmas season, you will find a range of my Christmas decorations at The Gallery at Sutton Bonnington.  Now, I sens a theme…. small but perfectly formed, this delightful little gallery does great coffee – and cake!  Out in the garden, in summer, check out the model railway – they say it’s for the children, but I think it’s secretly for Martin, the owner….

Oh dear, seems like it’s been a while, again!  I’ve spent the last few weeks making work for new galleries, running workshops in the community and preparing for a big event  next weekend.  And of course, all important networking (going to galleries and drinking their coffee!)

Myself and seven others are taking part in Derbyshire Open Arts 2016 – but I won’t be at Shed 2 (that’s in the summer), I’ll be exhibiting at the Monkey Park Cafe in Chesterfield over the Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday to Monday.  There are over 70 venues and nearly 300 artists taking part – some artists in their own studios, some like the group show I am in, sharing space and exhibiting together at selected venues.

You can pick up a free trail brochure at any of the venues, all of which won’t charge you to get in, and you can find studios and venues all over Derbyshire.

I’ve just added some fusing glass dates to the workshops page, here: BOOK A CLASS

Content to be confirmed as some may be a Pictures & Panels workshop, but all will be suitable for beginners and will cover all the basics and techniques you need to learn to be able to make your own fused glass pieces.

Yes – one of the dates is correct, it IS a bank holiday Monday – I thought it might be fun to do something different on a day off!

Here’s a couple of things made recently by students down at the studio, to give you some ideas of the sorts of glass work you could be making:

Hope to see you down at Shed 2 Studios!