Ok, well maybe it feels like summer hasn’t quite arrived yet, but here are my reflections on June; hopefully they’ll brighten your day, even if the sun isn’t shining!

What I’ve been teaching

We had such great fun at Nottingham Jewellery School for the School’s first dabble in precious metal clay. Students ranged from never having done any jewellery-making, to experienced silversmiths who wanted to have a go at using metal clay. Some lovely pieces emerged, and several folk purchased my starter tool kits so that they could carry on at home.

If you fancy having a go yourself, I’m offering some discounted metal clay taster sessions this summer from home. There are still places left on the sessions on 7th July and 23rd August. Sessions are £50 per person, which includes 7g of silver metal clay – enough to make a couple of charms, or a pair of earrings. You can book here.

What’s arrived

I’ve been waiting for this book for weeks, and it has finally arrived. If you don’t know Nicole Ringgold’s work, then I urge you to take a look. I am SO excited to get into the detail of this beautiful text and playing with her ideas in the studio. Definitely something for August!

What I’ve been makinG

I’ve been able to find a little time in the studio – I was craving some playing time. Not particular intentional design this time, just waiting for something to emerge. I thought they were arches at first, but then when polishing the pieces, I realised they were definitely bridges. They’re not on the website yet – just available directly via email or at in-person events.

What I’ve had fun with

Yes, I did it! I painted the studio …. PINK!

If you’d like to see it in person, and want to try your hand at silversmithing, do check out my beginner jewellery making experiences. What’s not to love – hammers and a pink studio!

Where I’ve been

June has been a really busy month in terms of in-person fairs and markets. Thank you to those who have popped by to say hello. A highlight for me was most definitely the Bonsall Arts and Craft Trail which took place in the beautiful village of Bonsall on the edge of the Peak District last weekend. I decided to make a weekend of it, and a friend and I booked a little cottage in the middle of the village. This meant that I could take meandering stroll across the park and through the woods to get to my venue. Although the weather might have been kinder in June, the hedgerows and wildflowers were vibrant with life. There’s no doubt that my heart is pulling me in the direction of Derbyshire – I’ll definitely be heading that way in the next couple of years.

Art Trails are rather lovely events. Not only do you get so see some amazing, and eclectic work, but you also get a good old nosey in people’s houses and gardens! If you’ve not visited one before, why not try the Wiksworth Art Trail in September, or the Melbourne Art and Architecture Trail later the same month. I’m thrilled to have a stand at both these events too.

In August I tend to step back from the ‘public’ side of the business, and concentrate on designing and making, and generally planning for the final (and busiest) quarter of the year. It’s also an opportunity to step back from social media. You’ll still be able to order from the website (although note that I will be closing for an update during the week commencing 5th August).