Art Clay conference 2010

Well I have been very busy making preparations for this years Art Clay conference
A trip back to York Universtity Yesterday, to put the final details in place
It's shaping up to be an exciting weekend of new techniques and workshops
japanese master classes, competitions with some fabulous prizes.
come and met, chat and have fun with load of metal heads at the conference
Save the date in your dairy 16th - 19th September
booking details will be published soon on the guild website
Hope you make it

Hadar does it again

In my last blog I mentioned Hadar's bronze, copper white bronze and steel clay
AS I was speaking to her last night, making final preparations for her visit here for her workshops
she also mentioned that she is developing pearl grey steel. I have no idea what this looks like, But I'm really looking forward to the workshop.

NEW PRODUCTS

For anyone that's ever been on one of my workshops, You will know that I talk about the rapid growth of metal clay, and that hardly a week goes by without finding out something new, be it a technique, a tool, and I am having trouble keeping up with the new products on the market.
Silver clay, Gold clay, Bronze clay now has three different brand, Copper clay also in three different brands. From our trip to Japan I was lucky to bring home some new Art Clay lite, This is not yet available to buy in the UK. but I'm ready for it's launch.
Now Glass Clay, not as new as you might think, but certainly something that's causing an interest

Watch this space as I bring you my findings on all these latest products

Hattie Sanderson

Craftworx studio is proud to host Metal Clay, Master Class Summer School 2010
Hattie is a world leading metal clay artist and tutor; she will be delivering two workshops one on the 5th June - Lidded Vessel and beautiful hollow form with fitted stopper lid
Then the 6th June is Hattie’s very popular spinner ring. These sunning rings will leave you amazed at the construction methods, Hattie's unique teaching style is generous in information sharing if you are and advancing enthusiast or practising instructor on the masters Registry programme you won't want to miss this amazing opportunity. For further details log on to www.craftworx.co.uk click the link to master classes

Amougst the jet lag with emotional highs and low, What am amazing busy week we have had, every minute of everyday was jam packed. with bearly anytime to stop and reflect on it all. now back home I'm still digesting the whole experience, the factory tour to view the reclimation process of the silver was facinating, our two days working with Royota in the workshops was inspiring, learning new techniques and projects, with a little time for sight seeing to expeirence the culture of Japan it has been brilliant. Life is full of treasures just like this

Konichwa From Japan

we had a very long 24 hour journey to finally reach the hotel, dumped the bags and went straight out for something to eat. As we ended up in a sushi bar I hardly ate a thing cos I really don't like fish. After a good night sleep, we went to the Aida factory, the tour was facinating to see how the process happens. After lunch we went around the local historical park,with traditional samuri houses set among some of the cherry blossom trees as they are just coming into bloom. later we opted to visit the beer factory, so a quick break for a free beers was great, Cheers, back then to Aida Studio, to buy some new tools and products. looking forward to playing with those when I get them home.
We found a great resturant to eat, and I enjoyed every last bit of it.

OFF TO JAPAN

Here I am a a Heathrow hotel ready for a flight to Japan tommorrow, All those months ago when this was booked I couldn't belive that it would come round so quickly,I'm really looking forwrd to seeing where it all happens at the Aida Factory in Japan and taking some master classes with the japanese, I'm not looking forward to the sushi and noodles not a big fan really. I'll keep you posted on progress