SAW - latest update

I've been busy making lots of new beads in the studio and our group visited Kilver Court to discuss the room layout and where our work is going to be placed.  We've also had a few last minute hiccups to deal which we weren't expecting.  However, I think everyone is about as ready as they can ever be! 

Here is a small selection of some of the work that I will have for sale:

21st birthday commission

In the middle of my preparations for SAW art weeks I was commissioned to make a jewellery set for a 21st birthday....

Little did I know.....

What I was letting myself in for when I signed up for the Somerset Art Weeks:) 

I am frantically trying to make enough stock so that - 
a) I can design a lovely display that people will enjoy looking at 
b) Have enough work to sell!
c) Create a display that complements the other artists and venue

As I am only managing about two days a week at the torch this is proving rather difficult and I must say I am stressing a little! I have just started making up my beads into some jewellery and next week I hope to spend a day photographing what I have so far.

I have now ordered some new business cards and my website just needs to have my new banner uploaded and some items put into the shop.  Subject to outside influences, I plan to have these completed by the end of the month. 

Here's a taster of some beads I will be bringing to the our Kilver Court venue

Another glassy trip

I had a great time last month visiting some more glassy friends and had a lovely day out catching up with old friends, making new ones and generally gossiping and eating.  I don't think you could ask for more in life!
I'd like to say a big thank you to Helen from Helen G Beads who hosted the GBUK South West regional get together at her studio in the depths of the beautiful Devon countryside. Her studio is actually situated on a trout farm that her partner runs - we were even given the chance to pre-order some fish to take away!

Here are some photos from the day:

I've definitely got studio envy!

Helen showing us all how to make her lovely buttons

Bracelet Commission

A commission that I completed for a client to give to a friend as a birthday present.  (Sorry about the picture quality!)

Playing with Clio

Last month at Flame Off I decided to buy a batch of Double Helix Clio glass to have a play with.  I had been hearing great things about the wonderful colours you can get with it and, unlike some of the other striking DH glasses, it would do these 'magical colour changes' a little bit easier.  This photo was my first session back at the torch so I was a bit rusty on technique (a few air bubbles!) but I'm happy with the result.  I think I shall be making some more of these.

We've been adopted...

Since moving into our new home we have had this lovely chap living in the shed in our back garden.  He has gradually got to know us better and has now decided that he prefers to spend the mornings and evenings in the house rather than out in the cold.  Pretty logical if you ask me!

As someone who has never had a cat before, it's taking a bit of getting used to but it's nice to finally have an animal back around the place again:)

Lush Lampwork opening

I recently went up to Malvern with a few glassy friends from FH where we had a fab day at the opening of Julie Fountain's new studio, 'The Lusherie'.    It was wonderful talking 'glass' all day long and oohing and aaahing over lots of wonderful beads from Julie, Kaz (Cheeky Cherub) and Manda (Mango Beads). 

The high points of the day?  Eating lots of fabulous homemade food (George, your soup is to die for!) and making a 'champagne' bead.  This involved everyone drinking a toast to the new venture then Julie smashed the champagne bottle and we all sat and each made a bead from the broken pieces.  How cool its that?!! 

Check out Julie's blog and Flickr pics to see what we all made:)  You might even spot me if you look closely....

New studio!

Well I'm not sure where the last few months have gone but at last, I finally have a studio set up at my new house. I feel like I should be jumping up and down with excitement (a bit like an eager puppy) but I think I have just run out of steam.  That's what house moves do to you.

Here are a few of my latest beads:

Somerset Art weeks 2011

It's official!  I will be exhibiting at this year's Somerset Art Weeks.  This will be my first time taking part and I'm really looking forward to it (if a little nervous!)

I will be exhibiting with three other artists: Natalie Shaw (Mosaics), Sue Hazelwood (Mixed Media) and Silvia Prandini (Felt/textiles) at Kilver Court in Shepton Mallet.

I will be posting updates of my progress so don't forget to bookmark my site to keep up to date.