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Focus On Good Things
This morning, I had a little trip into Nottingham. I went to the Focus Gallery at the top of Derby Road, Canning Circus. I took along a *few* pieces to see which the lovely Antonia would like to display, and she chose them all!
I am very pleased, and very excited, to now be stocked by this gorgeous gallery. It’s been closed for a few weeks for much needed and very long overdue (and long promised) maintenance. They re-open this Wednesday. The overhaul looks great, Antonia and her staff, friends and family have done a brilliant job. Along with long standing artists and makers, they’ve brought in a great range of new creatives as well.
If you don’t know about the Focus Gallery, you’re missing a gem. Established in 1971, it’s Nottingham’s longest running independent gallery. You will find a wide range of cards, gifts, jewellery, art and much more – oh, and you can usually park right outside (metered parking on the street).
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Autumn Winter Workshops as Requested!
Plenty of people have been asking me for some new workshop dates, so here they are!
I’ve tried to add a variety of dates and types. A few Introduction to Glass Fusing sessions, which are full days where you learn to cut and break glass. You have an opportunity to design and make items in window glass before moving on to working with colourful art glass and a few more techniques. Without blinding you with science, I will also tell you a little more about the properties of glass and how and why we can do so many wonderful things. All safety equipment and specialist tools are provided.
I’ve also added in a few taster sessions. On these, you are provided with glass blanks and you design and decorate your items with my vast array of coloured glass and accessories. No glass cutting is involved, just the freedom to get creative, so the day is shorter. These are ideal for those with a little less time on their hands, or who may be nervous of the prospect of cutting glass. People with hand strength or dexterity issues as well as younger participants can take part in these sessions too. It also serves as a great introduction to the world of glass fusing without committing to a full course. I would point out that the studio is a working space and access is slightly restrictive because we have three steps at the entrance.
Taster sessions include a family fun workshop during school half term, a couple of sessions dedicated especially to Christmas decorations. We might break out the mince pies and non-alcoholic mulled wine and play a few seasonal tunes! As well as a chance to make some gifts in time for the big day.
Select the correct price workshop from the top drop down menu, and the actual date from the second menu. When you add to basket, there’s a chance to add more than one place if you’re booking for friends or family.
Session timings – any evening sessions will start around 6pm, but willing to be flexible with people’s commitments. Daytime tasters generally start mid to late morning, but again these can be flexible if need be.
Get in touch HERE if you have any questions or problems!
NOTE: SATURDAY, 19TH JANUARY IS NOW FULL – PLEASE GET IN TOUCH IF YOU WERE INTERESTED IN THAT DATE I MAY BE ABLE TO OFFER ANOTHER DATE CLOSE BY.
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I Love Seahorses!
… so I was very pleased when I was commissioned to make a seahorse design for someone.
I was contacted a few months back by someone who’d seen my stained glass seahorse panel which I made years ago as part of an evening class. He is an underwater photographer and diving journalist and asked if I could make one for him.
No, I said, sorry. What? I hear you cry, are you mad? Well, no, I am not (well I might be slightly) but I don’t have the tools and equipment to make stained glass – although I expect my cutting skills would be up to it (you’d think so after 11 years of fusing) – so I showed him some of my more current work, told him how much I loved seahorses and I’d happily make one with no pressure to buy, it was just something I’d wanted to do for a while.
So, here’s Mr Seahorse. I was very pleased with him.
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Forthcoming Events
Whoops, where does the time go? I should have been posting this ages ago, but I’ve been kinda busy getting ready for the said forthcoming events, as well as playing with the new laser cutter at the studio. The latter has not been as successful as I’d hoped, why does technology fail you when you need it most? Perhaps I should have made things a little sooner..
Anyways, busy weekend for me.
Saturday, I am at Southwell Methodist Church for “Handmade With Love” – a collection of around forty hand-picked, hand-made quality gift and food stands. Free to enter, it’s on 9.30 to 4.30, so an early start for me!
Sunday, I am at Deborah Williams Hair Dressing Salon in Stapleford, as they get ready to gear up for Christmas. A small selection of food and gift stands, come along for a warm welcome, and join us for a glass of Prosecco or a beer, and some very special offers.
Hopefully you’ll be able to make on or other of the events, or both! Meanwhile, here’s a sample below of this year’s new Christmas design, first time out this weekend and a new technique for me. I’ve made a range of colours of these, and hope to be able to also offer personalised Christmas decorations – what a fantastic gift idea!
