First things first

Before jetting off for a lengthy sabbatical, I knew I needed to spend time appreciating the things I love

Cornish vistas

Leafy lanes...

And a family camping trip on my doorstep

We had fun testing out all the vehicles

                                                      Lots of nice walks

Fun feeding the pigs

Getting braver about feeding the pigs

We found a birds nest in the wood pile. It must have been built around one of the branches when the tree was felled. Sad but beautiful

And cuddling up after a tiring day 

Drinking my fill before I leave

I'm going to miss this....

Still, adventure beckons.................................

Lights, camera, ACTION!

So now the secret is finally out.
For the last few months I've been feverishly filming ready for the release of our new Home Study Diploma.
Well, before I left for 6 weeks sabbatical that is.

The workshop was in use during the day (and the farm is pretty noisy in daylight hours) so when Julia finished teaching at 6pm I would head in for filming until dawn.

The clock you see in the background here says 5 -in the morning!

This went on for weeks so we could complete two 90 minute DVDs

and the late night routine is pretty unhealthy after a while...could send a gal a little crazy

The happy couple

The Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery is helping a lovely couple from Doncaster to make their own wedding rings today.

Their tutor Cindy Ashbridge takes them through the process step by step

From flat pieces of 18ct gold

all the way carefully through every stage

to the final perfect result

Professional standard rings guaranteed

We take lots of photos along the way and put these on a disc for Anna and Graham to take away.

They had a lot of fun and the unique satisfaction of sharing this great experience!

They were so thrilled they posted a write up of the experience on a wedding forum.

Why come to Cornwall?

Because it's fun

It's very magical

It's steeped in history and so inspiring

Full of talented artists

People wear funny hats for your amusement and amazement

There's lots of fun stuff to keep the kids happy

And you could be taking a class with us at MCSJ

These pics were taken last week at Lostwithiel carnival

 

There was a duck race, a home made boat race 

some boats were obviously more successful than others-

but everyone had fun!

singing and dancing in the street, 

face painting and heaps more.

OK, so you missed out on Lostwithiel carnival but Fowey Regatta is still to come and there are heaps of other events happening all over Cornwall this summer.

Why go anywhere else?
Cornwall is where it's at.

Sterling silver clay published-again!

I was so chuffed to find a copy of Making Jewellery waiting for me
and really excited to find a little photo of my project the Ripple Ring
had made it onto the cover!
Inside 5 whole pages!

a double spread on how to make Sterling Silver clay

a double page for the step-by-step Ripple Ring project

and another page for the article I wrote about why Hallmarking is so important.

And it sits beautifully next to a full page advert by the Assay Office about Hallmarking.
Chuffed to bits!
All over again.
Earlier this year Metal Clay Artist Magazine ran a whopping 9 pages
on the world exclusive announcement of Sterling silver clay.

I was humbled and surprised by the coverage the wonderful team at MCAM gave to this feature.

We had developed the recipes and firing schedules over many months here at MCSJ and shared the knowledge so that any artist could make Sterling silver clay in their own studio using widely available ingredients.
MCAM is the only dedicated magazine for Metal Clay artists.
Suscribe here

Catchin up

Celie just published her Autumn classes and I recommend you go!
Check here

I have a smattering of photos
from my time at Celie Fago's studio in Vermont.
In no particular order

plants and buildings plants and buildings plants and buildings and

Some clever people actually finished their work like good pupils

Kim Jakum being one shining example.....

Clever clever Kim!

Alison Lee turned her bracelet into a necklace.

Incredible work for someone who only had a couple hours previous hands-on experience with silver clay

Obviously natural talent

A smattering of Celie's gorgeous work.

The clear evidence of having far exceeded 10,000 hours!

And these wonderful little pixie houses 

(that's what I'm calling them anyway) by erin meharg

AMAZING!!!

About the size of my thumbnail