Setting up is harder than it seems!

This is my new studio space! It has taken me so long to un pack from uni! I don't know where to put anything hence the mess! I have been back like 4 weeks now? Maybe more? And everywhere still looks like  a bomb has gone off!

I am now equipped with a workshop! (for general tinkering) because I live on a farm, we already have quite a spacious one for fixing tractors up etc. I just need to find a small shed (with electricity) to put my forge in. I am having surgery on Tuesday (4th september) and I will be fairly useless! This gives me time to do some design work / research in bed! From the last project I have already drawn up a few designers... I just cant wait to start making again! 

Society of Designer Craftsmen

This morning I had post (for the first time in a while). It was a letter from the Society of Designer Craftsmen informing me that I have been accepted as a member to the Society. What a way to start a gloomy morning! 

BABA AGM, Blists Hill, Ironbridge

This weekend has possibly been the best one I have had in a while! SO MUCH IS HAPPENING!

I went to the BABA AGM @ Blists Hill - Victorian Town where I met some wonderful people and I was able to expand on my blacksmith circle. I now have new blacksmith friends! :D HAPPY FI!

So, I volunteered to be part of a team to try some Iron Casting (may I just add I was the only female... someone had to) 

Where I seriously enjoyed myself, I was taught how to charge the blast furnace as well as pouring the molten iron into a mold. Whilst pouring my last one, sparks went flying and my neck got caught out! (The scar im sure will spark up conversation at some point) The next day I learnt that I was the unlucky one to pour that mold as the number of chambers inside caused pressure / air to escape a smallish hole. Trust me to pick that one!

I also got chatting to the smith that works there! (WHAT A LOVELY GUY) And asked if I could do some work with him, he agreed and told me that he would get in contact. This has totally boosted up my self confidence! :D again... HAPPY FI!

After a long, hard and adventurous weekend, its time for bed. 

photos to follow... promise :) 

Recent thinkings...

I have decided not to do the Islington Craft fair... I just cant afford it at the minute... bit of a shame.

I will be showing my lights in the Titanic Museum in Belfast in November sometime and I WILL donate them after the 6 week exhibition. (I hope I have my facts right)

I will be showing my work in the Herefordshire Young Open Exhibition @ the Courtyard, Hereford in September.

I was going to travel to Dublin for a Titanic exhibition / forge in, but its 4 days after my operation. However they have 3 a year so I promised I would show my face at the next one!
Recently I have been emailing some amazing Irish Blacksmiths and they are pretty keen for me to join them in certain shindigs! I would like to thank Jonathan Bull (Who I met at New Designers) and Michael Calnan for pointing me in the right direction.

Jews Harp...

Whilst Travelling around Somerset on a small adventure, I started to play with a Jew Harp. Untill then, I couldn't tell you what one was or what it did! 


I love the shape of a jews harp.... Watch this space. I have been designing in the sun like you wouldn't believe! Roll on next year when I can forge again! I would like a speedy recovery please!

Bye bye forge!

So Today I decided to pop into the forge to see Mr Glen, a technician. I spent a good hour in his office with a cup of tea just chatting about the times I have had at Holme Lacy etc etc. I told him I would be back and that he hasn't seen the last of me. Anyways... I was sad to see the forge looking so clean and unused! (Especially my forge.... HOW CLEAN???!)

Graduation

19th July 2012.