Wishing you well during unsettled times

ToniLeave a comment on Wishing you well during unsettled times

I just wanted to wish all my fellow crafters a well, safe and creative time during this difficult period.

If you have a class booked and I haven’t already messaged you, please accept my apologies for not getting in touch but obviously given the current lockdown I will be out of action for a couple of months at least. I will postpone anything booked and we’ll reschedule dates as soon as it’s safe to do so. If you are interested in classes, I am happy to pencil in dates but for much later in the year.

I am planning to post a few videos on YouTube – which is a great source of crafting and other info so do check it out if you are looking for creative inspiration (not necessarily from me!)

This is the link to my channel

Do get in touch if you are stuck at home and have any questions regarding the crafts I teach but most of all keep safe and well and I look forward to seeing you on the other side.


Toni x
 

Open Studios

ToniLeave a comment on Open Studios

This September I am taking part in Colchester Open studios.

What is Colchester Open studios you may ask?

It’s an opportunity to visit local artists (free of charge) and take a look at what they offer, this might be a show of their paintings, things they make, or demos of what they do…it might be a mixture of all three. No need to book. There might even be a chance for you to have a go at Encaustic art.

In the case of CG Crafts I have handcrafted items on display but I am also taking the opportunity to demonstrate some of the things I teach, in the hope that you, or someone you know, might like to book a class. I will be demonstrating a mixture of Flamework (making glass beads), Encaustic art (painting with molten wax) and Enamelling (making glass jewellery using a kiln). I also teach Felt making and Silver Clay jewellery.

Dates and times:

CG Crafts, 34 Willett Road, Colchester (CO2 9AW)

Sat 14th Sept (11 – 2pm),

Sun 22nd Sept (11 – 2pm),

Sat 28th Sept (2 – 6pm)

Sun 29th Sept (11 – 2pm). 

www.cgcrafts.co.uk

www.colchesteropenstudios.org

 

The Creative Craft Show & Cake International – ExCel London

ToniLeave a comment on The Creative Craft Show & Cake International – ExCel London

Today I have been getting ready for the Creative Craft and International Cake Show at ExCel London which will run from 4th – 6th April 2019 – S08. I will be running taster Enamelled Jewellery sessions with the Guild of Enamellers – we’re on stand (Z)D28. I just love this event, for a minimal fee you can come along and apply glass decoration to a pre-enamelled blank which we will fire in the tabletop kiln for you – it really enables you to get a feel for how enamelling works. We’ll then make it into a piece of wearable art – either a necklace or a keyring. Pop along and say hello and book on to one of our sessions – I’ll be there on Thursday but the Guild will be there for all three days. You can also find out more about classes run by myself and other enamellers around the South East.

  • A key ring made during November’s taster session at ExCel
  • Another key ring made by student during ExCel event in November
  • Some of my enamelled necklaces ready for the stand
  • Some of my enamelled brooches ready for the stand

Silver clay magic (classes)

ToniLeave a comment on Silver clay magic (classes)

I have been teaching students how to make pure silver jewellery using silver clay for several years now and yet the magic of it never fails to astonish me. I don’t know if it is the versatility of the clay – I love it when students challenge me by saying “Oh I thought I might try to make a….” Generally I am able to find a way to help them achieve this, or perhaps it is just the fact that as you work with the clay it can be difficult to comprehend that it will be PURE silver once fired. I love it when my students do a final polish after firing and say ” Wow it really is silver!” If you’d like to take part in a class, I have added a lot more dates to the website – as it is proving to be very popular this year. My £10 off until June is still running and don’t forget if 2 or more book (my workhshop can only take 3) I will reduce the cost per person. I can come out to larger groups too. My garden workshop os based in Colchester, Essex. These pictures show just a few things my beginner students have made…what would you make?