This is a belated entry from the 17 June. I have had PC issues this week and sadly missed the boat to share this in 'real time' as Bucks Open Studios finished today.

17 June 2012

I spent today with Cath over at Emerald Gallery - along with a Smart car full of my mixed media 'treasures' to share with visitors so that they could better understand how I go about producing my pictures.

I've mentioned before that I like to take step-by-step photos when I work and decided to nip in to Jessops in the week and get a set printed so that I could display them on A2 size foam boards.
Being an 'open studio' event I also printed some pictures of my studio space (my kitchen) to show that you don't need to wait until you have a 'studio' to be creative.  It also showed that when I work  I use the cats scratching post platform as an extra work surface!

The photo below shows some of the items that I brought along - plus, if you look closely, the fab biscuits that Cath provided along with lots of cups of tea to keep my crafting energies up!

We had a steady flow of visitors and it was great to meet and chat people about what I do. It was really lovely that some of my chums from Marlow Art and Crafts Society popped in (Wilma and Alan and Janet and Joe) to give their support too - thank you it meant a lot.

At the end of the day I dropped Cath off home, but not before a short break in the journey to take a look at some very fine fellows!

Taking part in Bucks Open Studios has been a really positive experience and I have met some lovely artist / makers as a result. It has reinforced in me that making things makes me happy and it has really encouraged me to try and work out a schedule so that I can do more.

After all of the excitement yesterday morning learning that my pictures had sold from the Marlow Exhibition, I had a fabulous afternoon helping Cath over at Emerald Gallery to get ready for Bucks Open Studio - the private viewing of which takes place this evening!

I say 'helping' in the loosest of terms. I learnt that I am 'not yet competent' at putting hooks in the right place and should not be left alone with a hammer as tried to knock a nail through a brass fitting which was never going to happen! Cath on the other hand was more than 'competent' and by the time I left, all the pictures were hung in collections 'by artist' and looked great.

I don't want to steal Cath's thunder on the picture front so will just share one shot here - as I'm sure not many of us will have seen the gallery space in this 'minimalist' state before . . .

Looking forward to meeting the other artists this evening over a glass of wine - and wish everyone a successful show!

Saturday 9th June
11am - 4pm
 Ruby Sharp - Come along and throw your own pottery!

Sunday 10th June
11am - 4pm
 Oenone Randall - Make your own stamped copper shapes
 Rhian Winslade - Ceramic workshop.

Saturday 16th June
11am-4pm
Teresa Mills - Mosaic make-and-take workshop
Linda Morley - Make your own copper bangle.

Sunday 17th June
11am-4pm
 Jacqueline Ford - Collage and mixed media demonstration

Saturday 23rd June
11am-4pm
Julia Hayward - Glass make-and-take workshop

Sunday 24th June
11am-4pm
 Nigel Sims - Etching demonstrations

No need book, just turn up and be creative!

Emerald Framing and Gallery, 1 Blay’s House, Churchfield Road,
Chalfont St Peter, Bucks, SL9 9EW

Number 167 in the Open Studios brochure

 NINE days to go until the Marlow Art and Crafts Society 'Jubilee Exhibition' (2 - 10 June)

SIXTEEN days to go before the start of Bucks Open Studios at Emerald Gallery (9 - 24 June)

Good job I only have ONE more day at work to go before I have two weeks off to play in my studio (kitchen) and complete my art work ready for both of these events!