Saturday 31 August 2013

Pinterest

I absolutely adore Pinterest.  




Some of my favourite boards  are Sculptural, Christmas, Faeries, Angels & Mythical Creatures, Greenmen and Music. Please take a look.


Please take a look. I really hope you like some of my pins.


If you are in Pinterest, I would love to see your boards too, I am addicted!


Friday 30 August 2013

Treefest, Westonbirt Arboretum

Great day out on Monday at Treefest. It was a celebration of nature and wood.

I liked so many things but I'll just mention some of my favourites.


I bought a couple of Ammonites from World Fossils. I like making impressions in clay with them. They look lovely with ferns. I managed to find some slightly bigger ones than what I use at the moment. I cannot wait to try them. The whole stand was stunning, especially the jewellery. 






Another really nice jeweller was Glover and Smith. They are all nature inspired and made from pewter and silver. Stunning!






Green Man Woodcrafts made some excellent contemporary and traditional goods. I especially liked their gates.




I also loved Enchanted Woodies, but unfortunately they do not have a website. They make, amongst other things, beautiful Grandfather clocks from English hardwoods.




Many thanks to Ian for taking us.








































Do you have a favourite wood festival?

Sunday 25 August 2013

Inspirational : Work books

I thought I would write a series of blogs about books that inspire me.

I am starting with books that have helped me with my work.


My first book is my absolute favourite, the bible of ceramics (at least for me),'The Complete Potter' by Steve Mattison. It is described wonderfully on the front cover as "The complete reference to tools, materials and techniques for all potters and ceramicists". That sums it up.




Although I have never tried any of the ideas described, I really like 'Alternative Kilns & Firing Techniques' by James C. Watkins & Paul Andrew Wandless. It describes in great detail rake, saggar, pit and barrel firings.


The final recommendation is 'Mouldmaking and Casting' by Nick Brooks. It is a comprehensive manual of the many techniques of this ancient craft and art form.


Well that is it. I hope you are inspired too by my selection. I would love to know your favourite ceramic books.

More in the 'Inspirational' series -



Saturday 24 August 2013

Pen-y-Dyffryn country hotel short break

Ian and I have just returned from a lovely couple of nights at our favourite hotel. Pen-y-Dyffryrn is a great small country house on the border of Shropshire and Wales. It is incredibly friendly with fantastic food.





On the way we called at Ludlow Food Centre for cooked breakfast in the Kitchen. We also called at the Plant and Food Centres for lots of goodies.

Our final stop enroute was Stokesay Castle. It is a stunning medieval manor house, near the Welsh border. My favourite English Heritage property.























Bodnant Garden is magnificent. A National Trust property that was created by 5 generations of the Pochin family. It is 80 acres with spectacular views across Snowdonia.

We also visited nearby Conway. It has a wonderful mediaeval castle. Unfortunately the traffic  and one way system make it difficult to explore.

Thoroughly recommend spa treatments - we had Indian head massages.

It was a great holiday! Thank you ever so Ian for taking me.































 

Do you have a favourite country hotel in the UK?

Sunday 18 August 2013

Sculpture Trails - My sculpture is in these gardens in 2013. The sculptor's art is available for your garden



I thought I would just let you know where you can see my work outside this year. I am rather busy getting ready for an exhibition in the spring (with my lovely daughter!), so I am at a limited selection this year.

Earlier in the year I was at Showborough in Gloucestershire. Here is a photo collection. It is a lovely garden to visit next year and excellently run by Andrew and Glynis Roache.


My work should have been at Art in the Garden . Unfortunately, it had to be cancelled this year, but Paul Hervey-Brookes, the organiser, is doing a great job trying to relocate the exhibition. I will keep you posted of any news.

Later in the year I shall be at Hidcote in Gloucestershire. The Sculpture Exhibition is running from 7th September to 29 September. It should be very good so I hope you can visit.

Do you have a favourite sculpture trail?



A little bit of knowledge is a bad thing



This is just a quick one to let my customers know that you can safely use any of my pieces for serving food. I  have been discussing at length with my supplier, Potclays, and everything I use is 100% safe for use.

I was being silly and over cautious after a lecture at college. 

If you have any questions about my work, please feel free to ask away.

Wednesday 14 August 2013

Coughton Court - Sculpture exhibition in National Trust Warwickshire gardens

Yesterday Kate and I had a lovely, if wet, day out at Coughton Court in Warwickshire. We were visiting to see the wonderful sculptures. The exhibition runs until Sunday 8th September. There are over 340 pieces.



We had a great time exploring the gardens and sampling the rather yummy lunches in the restaurant. After getting rather soggy we had some retail therapy in the well stocked gift shop.


On the way home we saw some travellers moving their beautiful caravans with horses.


Many thanks to Kate for taking me : ) X


I would love to know your favourite National Trust property?