Hello, this year seems to be going faster than ever! I just wanted to give you and update of what has happened so far and my plan for the rest of the year.
As you know I have been in search of the perfect work life balance for some time and I feel that this is the first year that everything is working a whole lot better for me. I no longer feel guilty for taking the weekend off! Hopefully I can keep it up, but there are still certain times when a lot of extra hours are needed, a compromise that has to be made due to the nature of self employment.
This summer has been really busy, I have been working on lots of customer orders and new products; Big Bowls, Big Dishes, Berry Bowls and Spoon Rests.
I have also been developing some new glaze designs. If you follow me on social media, you will be aware of the issues I am having with my mint stain (my supplier changed their supplier). They have been really helpful trying to rectify the problem and find a replacement, but it is not straight forward. For now the future of my Pastel and Golden Dreamscape ranges are uncertain. Everything I have in stock is for sale on the website, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. However, I haven’t completely given up hope yet, so I will keep my fingers crossed and do as many glaze tests as possible to find a replace-mint stain!
Earlier in the year I developed an orange glaze, something I have wanted to do for a long time. I have done so many experiments but so far I am only keen on one design. It complements the Golden Dreamscape collection beautifully, and is called Golden Azalea. I really love how the colours work together. At the moment this will not be available online, but I will be taking it to Strathmore Open Studios with me next weekend to see how it fares.
Strathmore Open Studios is running from Friday 26th to Monday 29th August. Please note I will not at my workshop, but I will be exhibiting at Mains of Rattray with 7 other fantastic artists and makers. There will be Ceramics, Textiles, Art, activities and tea, coffee and cake, of course!
Potfest Scotland in June was amazing this year. I was so happy with my display and I even entered the competition for the first time. The theme was “Rooted in the past, planted in the present”. My entry was based on my love for knitting, something that is rooted in my past , and will always be in my present. It was a great challenge, making a sculptural piece using the hand building technique instead of throwing. It took me a little out of my comfort zone but I absolutely loved making it.
I will be taking it with me for my competition entry at Potfest in the Pens at the end of October! The next few months will be busy working towards that. Then, I am aiming to restock the website in time for Christmas, early December. There still may be no Dreamscapes then, but there will be plenty of Grey & Gold and hopefully some bells and candle stick holders!
Cheerio for now,
Enjoy the rest of the summer
Jud