2013: A weekend at Waddesdon and meeting the 'Biggest Friend'

2013 in review - October

In October I had the pleasure to be invited to take part at an event run by Sally Evans in the Plant Centre at Waddesdon Manor.  

One of my crafty chums, Nicky Bibby of Bee Bee Crafts was also taking part and we were lucky enough to get our request for tables next to each other granted. The Plant Centre is a huge glass house and, with the sun shining, was surprisingly warm inside. In fact I had to take my shoes and socks off to set up - and re-think my wardrobe for the weekend!

On the Saturday afternoon I was joined by my crafty chum Stephanie Moffat who helped me man the stand - and gave me the chance to go and see all the lovely arts and crafts on offer (as well as being able to sit and eat cake without the fear of having to speak to someone as soon as I took a mouthful!)

Nicky making the finishing touches to her lovely stand:

Part of my stand:

Nicky and my chum Steph:

On the Sunday Cath Friend from Emerald Frames popped in with her Dad Michael Friend.  It was great to meet Michael as Cath had commissioned me to produce a picture of her Dad on his beloved recumbent trike last Xmas. Michael is a 'local icon', well known for riding up and down the prom on the Wirral.

This picture was a fun commission to work on and the brief included the following items:

• Michael on his recumbent trike
  
• Tug boat
  
• Chocolate
  
• Reference to the 'Biggest Friend'
  
• Reference to 'Meols'
  
• Reference to 'The Wirral Way'
  
• Reference to the 'The Wirral Community Canal Boat Trust'

Michael Friend and a small version of his picture from my portfolio book - followed by some more detailed shots of the original work:

A great bonus of doing events like these is that you get to meet new people and see work and techniques that fire up the imagination.  To finish this post I would like to mention just two:

Displayed on one of the stalls opposite me was a fabulous silver necklace that had silver bird shapes, chain, silver rings and shells and a blue 'element' with a bird on that from my stand  was difficult to work out what it was.  On closer inspection the 'blue' was a dolls ear that had been flocked and set in silver - and represented the 'sound of the sea'.  It was a stunning and original piece produced by a recently graduated artist called Robyn Golding

Robyn likes to repurpose and recycle old silver and broken doll parts - into truly original jewellery - and I just adore my seagull earrings!

You can see more examples of Robyn's unique work on her website:

http://www.robyngoldingjewellery.co.uk

Robyn and a couple of flocked dolls feet:

I also found a kindred spirit in Jo Atherton who repurposes flotsam into magical woven designs.  I thought I was the only person who filled my pockets with such 'treasure' when at the seaside - but Jo had a stash of flotsam to die for!

Jo kindly sorted me out a small bag of mixed flotsam - including some amazing (and rare) fluorescent plastic threads that I have certainly not found to date, to incorporate in my work. I  have used some in my most recent Aldeburgh pictures - along with flotsam from Suffolk too.

Jo - I have not forgotten that I am due to send you a bag of flotsam in the post in return  . . .  watch out for the postie!

You can learn more about Jo's environmentally friendly work and see examples of completed weavings on her website:

http://flotsamweaving.com


Jo weaving with flotsam - she is also a talented potter:

My bag of TREASURE . . .