Compton Verney visit

Rather than watching the Royal Wedding yesterday we took the opportunity to visit Compton Verney in Warwickshire for the first time. I had seen there was an exhibition of Alfred Wallis & Ben Nicolson's work so it seemed a ideal time to go!

This was my favourite in the exhibition:

'St Ives' 1928 oil on card

The 'Wool work: A sailor's art exhibition which is running along side the Alfred Wallis is well worth a look too!

Huge rocking horse sculpture in the grounds

'The Horse is a Noble Animal' by Marcia Farquhar

Laminated & varnished marine plywood

490 x 365cm

Photography is not allowed in the house without prior arrangement so next time I'll get a pass.

Worth mentioning the cafe is pretty good too!

HAPPY EASTER!

Oak Leaves & Acorns

I've just created another oak leaf wall sculpture. The first one was much admired & was purchased a couple of weeks ago so I thought I'd better make a second piece...once again produced from etched copper & brass leaves with heat colouration giving a rich effect.

73 x 44 cm

Cornish Inspiration again....

EVENTS FLYER

Just taken delivery of my new events flyer....

A little scary when I see all the shows planned!

Orla shoe!

Last nights creation using lovely Orla Kiely wrapping paper!

Creative Play SHOES!

I've had a fab indulgent day with my creative chums again...

making little shoes with Jo Dewar & Sarah Walker in a lovely sunny studio.

Once again Jo was a great tutor, explaining carefully the process of cutting your template & selecting the right sort of papers.

My first attempt was supposed to be easier because of the larger scale (approx 11cm long) but the gorgeous fuchsia pink paper I picked with slighter heavier which made it more tricky to glue. However I managed in the end. When I moved on to the smaller versions(6.5cm long), using a lighter weight paper, it was a fiddle but enjoyable!

Decorated with sequins & buttons

I had a lot of help from Jo to make the wire flower for the big pink slipper!

My plan this evening is to make another large shoe using some Orla Kiely wrapping paper.....

Medieval Tiles

Yesterday I made a flying visit to Great Malvern Priory. I'd never been before but had since something about the Medieval tiles on a programme about churches last year on BBC4.

They are really beautiful!

The faded colours & distressed look really appeal & I can see some of them inspiring some metalwork...

*NEW* BRONZE jewellery

Over the years I have experienced some problems with the copper plating on my jewellery. I have to get this done in the trade & because it is small scale & small quantities not all companies will consider doing the work. In the past some of my jewellery has been cast, using the lost wax process, in a brass base which is then copper plated.

However I am now replacing that with bronze. Once the piece is cast I then polish each piece & use an oxidising solution to darken the surface & bring out the details of the surface pattern. It means I am now in control of the finish myself & it will save time in the long run hopefully! I think the finish is equally as nice as the copper as it still has a warmth & depth of colour.

Studio Opening Times in APRIL

I have various outings & events during April so my Fold studio will be closed on odd days.

Please note the following:

Wednesday 6th CLOSED

Tuesday 12th & Wednesday 13th CLOSED

Good Friday 22nd OPEN as normal

EASTER SUNDAY/Monday/Tues 26th CLOSED

29th? *Not sure about the Royal Wedding yet!