Hey Clay! 2015 Play Day :o)

Back in December I found out that our local pottery (Oxcombe Pottery) were taking part in Hey Clay! 2015 - it was an event organised by the Crafts Council in which over 70 different venue opened their doors to let people have a go at playing with clay.

I went along with my friend Wendy, and we were so pleased we did, it's a wonderful venue, an old farm building specifically converted into a pottery.  We were shown some completed pieces that had been fired using different glazes and different techniques, and then we were let loose with our own ball of clay!

I created a tea-light holder, and in a challenge from one of the potters to see how thin I could draw out the clay I also made a little trinket holder/ornament.

The above pictures were before firing (as we couldn't fire them on the day) so the clay is still a little damp and grey.

This photo was taken after they were fired and they have now gone a whitish colour.  It was a really fun couple of hours, which has raised my interest in clay, I may just have to pop back and have a proper go!!

Thanks for reading
Steffi :o)
xx

New Year - Renewed Focus!!

You may have noticed that I have been quiet in blogland for a while - I have, when able, still been playing at being crafty in the background, but through the winter months, I have felt I needed to take time to look inwards and to regain my focus.  A mini-hibernation if you will.

I'm going to share here a few photos of some of the crafting I have done during my silence, as at the moments the photos are sitting unseen on my mobile phone!

First, a couple of tags and altered playing cards that were created for some swaps.  Then this is an altered Tim Holtz folder that I made on a wonderful messy workshop with Dyan Reaveley (of Dylusions and Art from the Heart).

I was really lucky to be able to attend Tando's Ministry of Mixology weekend in Coventry - they are already planning the next one, but I don't think I'll be able to make it as I was really exhausted afterwards for quite a while.  It was a wonderful experience though, and I would highly recommend anyone to attend if they can.  The workshops were with Andy Skinner - a grungy notebook, and Michelle Webb - a lovely beach-hut scene.

 

And last but not least :o)  I joined in my first ever Pocket Letter swap - very new to me but it seems to be a new craze following on from ATCs - you use a 9 section ATC holder and then fill each pocket with something - embellishments, little gifts, a note whatever you fancy really.  There are some amazing ones on Pinterest!  This one, not so amazing, is mine.

Thanks for reading - hopefully I can keep this blog more active in 2016 :o)

Steffi

xx