Is 'crafting' everywhere ?

Hi Everyone
I spent much of yesterday planning and organising - this is a good thing ! I'm always much more likely to do good work when my world is organised. I did lots of throwing out - most cathartic.

Last night, I watched Monty Dons Real Craft (On 4). This is a TV series of programmes involving craft skills. The craft subject last night was stonemasonary. I loved the really high standards the folks had to achieve. It's the first episode Ive seen and was amazed at how good the apprentices seemed to be. However, their stuff was good but not good enough for their mentor. They had real projects to produce quite adventurous sculptured pieces. I enjoyed the programme and it reminded me of how 'craft' is suddenly a very popular and aspirational thing to do. The emotional elements of crafting was linked several times with the physical - I love this and it's the very thing I get from craft/art . There's another debate waiting to happen ie the art and craft definition. Next time (in the TV series) its glass blowing. Watch it if you get the chance. I have a sense that 'craft' is appearing all over the place at the moment but maybe that's because it's my world and that's where I go in terms of magazines, online initiatives and TV. I do believe there is a movement towards people recognising the value of making stuff with this emotional/physical connection.

I'm also looking forward to producing a bag soon. I want the bag to be as good as I can make it and will be demanding high standards of myself re production. I'm using a book given to me as a birthday gift and aim to use one of the projects.



I especially like the bag on the cover and Im planning to make this one. I need to source some fabric. I want to make one for a friend too, I'm hoping I can refine my skills by making the prototype (for me).

Thanks for reading.

Shiney new earrings

Hi Everyone
I did lots of planning and thinking yesterday - I do value this exercise and have moved my thinking (recently) on the planning process in line with my DWYL programme details here In theory, I'm a committed planner on most things. Ive lived my life on lists. However, I usually get myself into a panic when I meet a critical point and realise I'm not 'producing'. I seem to be stuck at the moment - mentally. The balance is not there. I have lots of ideas and a long list of unfinished work. In theory, I should move down the list. My problem is ......... things which are 'stopping me' ie a list of 'resisters'. These resisters are (to a point) under my control. I need to organise my mind !! I'm off for a run, this always helps.

Yesterday, the only little thing I managed in terms of practical work is a little finishing on my new brass earrings. Here are a few before and after images. First is the new front finish.



The next photo shows a very minimum swirl type pattern on the initial 'half finish'.





The third photo is the back of the earring just after soldering with a tiny bit of finishing.
The last two photos show the enhanced/ deeper pattern on the front and a little ridge on the edge and the new back finish.





I like the cleaned up version of the backs. I did think the discoloured 'under finished' version was good but I changed my mind. All I need now is a way of sealing the new pristine finish. Ive ordered some stuff for the job.

Ive worn these earrings and I love them. When I get some more metal sheet I will make more and try our some different shapes with layers. It's a great new addition to my work.

Today, I must get some finishing in place for more of the current clay collections. Ive given myself a target for the week.

Bye for today.
Thanks for reading.