Thursday 14 April 2011

First Forays...

I was lucky enough to be able to get over to the Flame Off last weekend, a huge glassy gathering held annually at Towcester Racecourse, and organised by Tuffnells who are one of the main suppliers of glass and equipment to UK lampworkers.
More of the glass later, but while we were there, both Wyn and I fancied having a go at a couple of other things that were happening as part of the event.
I went along to an Art Clay taster session, being run by Lesley Messam, a senior Art Clay instructor from Chichester.
I've had a packet of Art Clay for years, but I've always been too terrified to open it. It's expensive material, and I was always worried that I would totally mess it up and therefore throw a lot of money down the drain. Or rather, in the bin.
But Lesley was a wonderful teacher, and I emerged a couple of hours later proudly clutching my first, dreadfully imperfect, pieces. I opted for simple little ivy leaves, which I have now tumble polished and turned into earrings. They are my babies and I love them!

And while I was happily playing with posh clay, Wyn was bashing the living daylights out of equally expensive silver. The aim was to come away with a pendant, but Wyn being Wyn, and a bit of a bolshie on the quiet, decided not to follow the others in the class, and instead of carefully cutting the silver with the help of templates, opted to do everything freehand.
The result was a really individual heart-shaped pendant, with a little brass heart applied on top. I call it a Happy Heart, because it has a carefree, casual look. He wants to finish it off properly, but I absolutely love it!

I definitely want to learn more about Silver Clay, and after I've bought a few more essential bits and pieces, and managed to fight my way to the kiln, I think I now have the confidence to try out some ideas ready for the summer.
Nia xx

13 comments:

Hazel said...

They are great Nia. Tell Wyn I want to see more of his designs at the Internional Eisteddfod

Nia said...

Thanks Hazel! But I can't see Sarah Anderson quaking in her boots, somehow!

swisssidejewelleryetc said...

Absolutely fabulous pieces, both of you. Well done!
Vicky

Nia said...

Aww thanks Vicky, there's a very long way to go with it (if it goes anywhere), but everyone has to start somewhere I guess.

THEAjewellery (lesley) said...

That's way,way better than my first silver clay piece Nia!
It's very addictive!

Nia said...

Thanks Lesley! I'm hoping to practice a bit more next week.

Louise said...

Wow, how fabulous are these, Nia! I'm completely in love with those earrings. I also have a little packet of silver clay I'm still too scared to use! ;D

Nia said...

I came out of the class convinced I had about £10's worth of the stuff under my nails!
But seeing an expert like Lesley throwing the clay around with wild abandon did give me a bit more confidence.

Hazel said...

Was it Sarah teaching Wyn? I will be seeing her next month at our Gwynedd And Clwyd Association Of Craftworkers committee meeting. So will ask her how Wyn got on

Nia said...

Oh heck no, not Sarah!
She only teaches in her own studio.
Can't remember this person's name offhand, I just meant that I don't think we'll be taking sales off her!

georgiebee said...

Nia they are really lovely!!!...the happy heart makes me smile too...therefore making me happy..;o)

Nia said...

Thanks Georgie! The happy heart reminds me of those Purple Ronnie cards from a few years ago, sort of naiive cartoon shapes.
Anyway, it's now my favourite pendant.

HazelB Handweaver said...

Ah I was told Sarah was away that weekend so thought she was teaching at that fair. Can't wait to see what you and wyn do with the silver clay and silver smithing