 On reading the Mabinogion over thirty years ago I was struck by the intriguing imagery in the story of Peredur. In the course of Peredur’s travels he chances upon a magical valley with a tree half in flames and half with leaves unconsumed by the fire. A river runs through the valley with a flock of white sheep grazing on one side and a flock of black sheep on the other side. When a white sheep bleats a black sheep crosses the river and becomes white and when a black sheep bleats a white sheep crosses the river and becomes black. Over the next 30 years this image fixed itself in my mind while I continued to teach and run residential weaving, spinning and dyeing courses and to weave rugs, wall hangings baby wraps and scarves. I developed a specialism in weaving both warp and weft Ikat and in 1998 I had the honour of being awarded a Winston Churchill Travel Fellowship which enabled me to travel the Silk Road for 3 months of research. Last year I stopped running residential courses in my studio and this has given me the space and time to fully concentrate on my Peredur tapestry. The design is the size of one of my studio walls, 2m x 4m and for this I needed an appropriate-sized loom. I was beginning the laborious job of constructing this myself when I had the immense good fortune to be given an old tapestry loom of the right size by the sculptor Alison Lockhead! I had spent a year, on and off, working on the design and weaving samples and I finally made a start on the full-sized tapestry in 2018. The design is mediaeval in style with lettering above and below telling the story in Welsh and English. Flora and fauna are in the foreground and sheep beyond. The colour-changing sheep can be thought to symbolise the possibility of change for good or bad. The flowers also have meaning with many beautiful but toxic or mind-altering plants growing on the dark side.    The Covid lockdown has meant I have been able to totally focus on the tapestry to the point of my becoming obsessed! I can spend 6-8 hours a day weaving and dyeing as all the wool has to be hand dyed to get the exact colour I want. Each new colour or shape is a challenge, sometimes needing several attempts before achieving the effect I want.    Finally, after three years, the end is in sight! I expect to complete the weaving by Christmas with the finishing and mounting still to do. It should be ready in 2021 when I hope there is enough interest for it to be exhibited around Wales and beyond. SNAIL TRAIL HANDWEAVERS 2020    makers blog: Laura thomas |
 | Laura Thomas is a woven textiles artist, maker, educator and curator. She has been a member of the Makers Guild Wales since 2005. Laura is predominantly known for her unique sculptural and wall based works whereby seemingly loose unwoven threads are encapsulated in acrylic resin of the highest quality. |
These past 3 months have been an intense period of adjustment, reflection and consideration. I have an 8 year son, so he’s been centrestage as we attempted to tackle some semblance of schooling, and ‘normal life’. Not easy.
Around the challenges of the numeracy and literacy lessons, I’ve had the evenings to think about my own work. But in common with many, it was really hard in the early stages to know which way to turn. All of the events I had lined up were postponed; the launch of a key commission has been postponed; and all the weave workshops which are such a key cornerstone to my practice were also postponed. All that was firm was my 1 day per week lecturing role at Carmarthen School of Art. Within a week, like all my colleagues, I had to learn how to deliver lectures and tutorials online. It was surprisingly straightforward thanks to an outstanding Teaching and Learning support team. The final year BA Textiles students whom I look after, were all able to take a loom or knit machine home, and admirably rose to the challenge of this alternative mode of completing their Final Major Projects. I can’t overstate how proud I am of them all, for creating truly outstanding work in the most trying of circumstances.
Thanks to the tireless work of our BA 3D and Virtual Reality teaching team, the college has broken new ground by creating the largest virtual reality exhibition space in the UK to showcase the work of all our FE and HE graduates. Over 15,000 square metres of virtual gallery space was built to contain over a 1000 individual artworks, including 3D models, films and digital books. It was a truly remarkable undertaking that we are all so excited to now share. The online exhibition launched on the 26th June, please do follow this link and explore the galleries at your leisure - https://seekbeak.com/v/NAp1Pgx3qXo There is a comments ‘book’ at the entrance which we’d be delighted if you could leave your thoughts for us to share with our graduates.
Around the challenges of the numeracy and literacy lessons, I’ve had the evenings to think about my own work. But in common with many, it was really hard in the early stages to know which way to turn. All of the events I had lined up were postponed; the launch of a key commission has been postponed; and all the weave workshops which are such a key cornerstone to my practice were also postponed. All that was firm was my 1 day per week lecturing role at Carmarthen School of Art. Within a week, like all my colleagues, I had to learn how to deliver lectures and tutorials online. It was surprisingly straightforward thanks to an outstanding Teaching and Learning support team. The final year BA Textiles students whom I look after, were all able to take a loom or knit machine home, and admirably rose to the challenge of this alternative mode of completing their Final Major Projects. I can’t overstate how proud I am of them all, for creating truly outstanding work in the most trying of circumstances.
Thanks to the tireless work of our BA 3D and Virtual Reality teaching team, the college has broken new ground by creating the largest virtual reality exhibition space in the UK to showcase the work of all our FE and HE graduates. Over 15,000 square metres of virtual gallery space was built to contain over a 1000 individual artworks, including 3D models, films and digital books. It was a truly remarkable undertaking that we are all so excited to now share. The online exhibition launched on the 26th June, please do follow this link and explore the galleries at your leisure - https://seekbeak.com/v/NAp1Pgx3qXo There is a comments ‘book’ at the entrance which we’d be delighted if you could leave your thoughts for us to share with our graduates.
Aside from my college commitments, at the beginning of lockdown, I wrote an incredibly optimistic ‘to-do list’ of all that I could tackle whilst the world paused. Needless to say, on reflection I’d need a year to achieve it, and certainly no home-schooling in the mix. My studio isn’t in my home, so actually getting on and making work has been very difficult. I brought my small table loom home, which is fine for simple sampling, but not for the larger scale work. There is plenty of ambitious work I’m desperate to weave ready for forthcoming exhibitions later this year and next, but for now, they need to wait.
Whilst in these early stages of lockdown and not really knowing what to do with myself, I took the time to engage in as much learning as I could. A plethora of free or very affordable online webinars, talks and coaching sessions presented themselves, and I signed up for all that I could. If I knew I was going to find it hard to ‘do’ much at the moment, I knew I could easily ‘listen’ to the advice and guidance of others.
One of these workshops that I was able to participate in was ‘Teach your creative skills online’ with the brilliant Design Trust. This was something I’d been planning to investigate doing for over a year, so I was pleased to finally have the time to do this. The series of 3 online workshops, plus two bonus sessions, took me through every stage of planning, implementation and marketing with the most incredible level of detail.
One of our early homework tasks was to undertake a survey to find out what level of interest we had amongst our mailing list and social media audience. I had a very positive response to this, and was particularly pleased to find so many were very keen for online mentoring, over and above straightforward ‘how to’ online workshops. I’d already deduced that I couldn’t get on with taking my practical weave workshops online straight away as I need filming and editing assistance that lockdown just wouldn’t allow. However, the online mentoring I could get started with immediately thanks to the wonders of Zoom! Two weavers that I already knew agreed to be my online mentoring guinea pigs and I’m delighted with how successful it has proven to be. Word of mouth has brought me several more clients, and I’m now about to start marketing it more formally. You can find more information on my website here.
Whilst in these early stages of lockdown and not really knowing what to do with myself, I took the time to engage in as much learning as I could. A plethora of free or very affordable online webinars, talks and coaching sessions presented themselves, and I signed up for all that I could. If I knew I was going to find it hard to ‘do’ much at the moment, I knew I could easily ‘listen’ to the advice and guidance of others.
One of these workshops that I was able to participate in was ‘Teach your creative skills online’ with the brilliant Design Trust. This was something I’d been planning to investigate doing for over a year, so I was pleased to finally have the time to do this. The series of 3 online workshops, plus two bonus sessions, took me through every stage of planning, implementation and marketing with the most incredible level of detail.
One of our early homework tasks was to undertake a survey to find out what level of interest we had amongst our mailing list and social media audience. I had a very positive response to this, and was particularly pleased to find so many were very keen for online mentoring, over and above straightforward ‘how to’ online workshops. I’d already deduced that I couldn’t get on with taking my practical weave workshops online straight away as I need filming and editing assistance that lockdown just wouldn’t allow. However, the online mentoring I could get started with immediately thanks to the wonders of Zoom! Two weavers that I already knew agreed to be my online mentoring guinea pigs and I’m delighted with how successful it has proven to be. Word of mouth has brought me several more clients, and I’m now about to start marketing it more formally. You can find more information on my website here.
Whilst I still have plans to take my practical workshops online later this year once lockdown restrictions are eased and my son is back in school full time, I’m actually more excited about the one-to-one online mentoring as it's far, far more personal and I’m loving having the opportunity to share my 18 years of professional experience as a weaver, and 16 years experience as a higher education weave tutor. I’m primarily focusing on design skills, and helping weavers find fresh clarity and enthusiasm for taking their work in a new direction. I can also advise on business development, especially for those just getting started. It's proving to be an incredibly energising and rewarding experience for the mentee’s and myself. It's quite remarkable to think I’ve found this new addition to my career portfolio thanks to the most trying of circumstances.
And it's this positivity that I’m going to be taking forwards from the lockdown period. From intense anxiety and stress at the beginning, on a rollercoaster of highs and lows, I’ve found a new clarity and contentment in both work and family life. Whilst I can’t wait for my son to start school again, it's been an absolute gift to have all this ‘bonus’ family time at home. We’ve spent far more time in the garden and discovered new walks near our home in Bridgend that I doubt I’d have ever found otherwise. We’ve been able to cycle on deserted roads without fear of traffic. My asmthamtic son and husband have been able to breathe cleaner air, and we’ve enjoyed noticing far more birdsong. Coronavirus has forced the entire world to pause, reflect and find new ways forwards. Despite the heartache, there has been much good to draw from this time, and for that I am grateful.
makers blog: marian haf
26/6/2020
Hi I’m Marian and in short I’m a Printmaker, Mam to three who’s desperately trying to grow tomatoes. I live in my native West Wales on the side of a windy hill in Ceredigion.
Before March and lock down I would of told you how my days would start with dropping the kids in school just down the road, On my return home I would put the kettle on and catch up on social media and read emails whilst making a list for the days jobs, I’d eventually make it to the press just before lunch after a load of washing or something equally distracting, to then be cut short once ive hit my stride at 3.30.
I felt totally spoilt for the whole of April and May we were all home. I could dip in and out of work as I pleased and needed to, everything conveniently at hand in the shed at the end of the Garden and Andy my husband home to take care of the kids. On line sales stepped up and replaced loss earnings from closed galleries and cancelled exhibitions. I launched an on line one to one video tutorial, which has been well received and an utter delight to deliver, good times!
Before March and lock down I would of told you how my days would start with dropping the kids in school just down the road, On my return home I would put the kettle on and catch up on social media and read emails whilst making a list for the days jobs, I’d eventually make it to the press just before lunch after a load of washing or something equally distracting, to then be cut short once ive hit my stride at 3.30.
I felt totally spoilt for the whole of April and May we were all home. I could dip in and out of work as I pleased and needed to, everything conveniently at hand in the shed at the end of the Garden and Andy my husband home to take care of the kids. On line sales stepped up and replaced loss earnings from closed galleries and cancelled exhibitions. I launched an on line one to one video tutorial, which has been well received and an utter delight to deliver, good times!
It’s now June and things have shifted once more, Andy returned to work and I now find myself waking early to squeeze in time before home schooling and daily chores, weekends are now my working week along with a snatched afternoon whilst the kids are lost in play.
I feel very lucky to have the shed, Andy built it about 3 years ago and it has two equally sized halves, a half each, it’s insulated and light and houses my little press and a beautiful plan chest that Andy managed to swap for an afternoonswork for a retired architect.
I feel very lucky to have the shed, Andy built it about 3 years ago and it has two equally sized halves, a half each, it’s insulated and light and houses my little press and a beautiful plan chest that Andy managed to swap for an afternoonswork for a retired architect.
 | Describe your printmaking process: I’m a real night owl so all my ideas and plans tend to fill my head when I should be drifting off to sleep, I’m not one for sketch books although I’m trying. I’ll spend some time thinking and mulling over an idea before planning the print straight onto tracing paper, the idea is pretty much fully resolved in my head before this and It’s just a matter of working out the logistics, layers, placement and tone. Once I’m happy with the composition, the image is transfer onto mount board which is what I use as my printing plate. |
| The mount is then worked into and its now I’ll start to draw although the more formal structure of the print is in place the drawing only happens now, spontaneously, frenetic at times, peeling away thin layers to reveal a more textured surface which holds the ink and gives you your darker tones then on to scratching and drawn with controlled and haphazard lines, dots and marks (I like this bit a lot) highlights are added by applying glue to the surface. The mount board is cut to shape, sealed with shellac and inked. |  |
The plate is inked intaglio, the ink is applied quite thickly and worked into the plate with gauze and then buffed away, with tissue paper. The inking can take over hour for a larger piece.
Most of prints by now have a second narrative and process to them, a subtle embossing which on closer inspection reveals itself to the viewer, in the hope of rewarding the curious and holding them for a longer conversation. The embossing’s are made through wood cuts and laser cut ply.
When all elements are ready they are sent through the press with damp paper. With one hand behind your back and fingers crossed you lift the paper for the reveal!
When all elements are ready they are sent through the press with damp paper. With one hand behind your back and fingers crossed you lift the paper for the reveal!
Why printmaking?
Because its the closest thing to magic that I know of.
I struggled with painting throughout my degree, never really achieving my desired aesthetic, I now understand why, I was in the wrong discipline. I love the process and the fact that there is a guiding hand and a printing technique to fulfil. It meets all of my aesthetic desires and still holds my interest, I feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface.
How and where did you learn to print?
My first taste of printmaking started early in Secondary School, we had a great art teacher, Huw Art who had a printmaking degree from Loughborough. We would make reduction lino prints with oil based inks, I can still remember washing my hands in white spirit! I also had the opportunity to take a printmaking module on my foundation at CCTA Carmarthen with John Selway.
Then that was it for years until I joined a local print group – Printers in the Sticks, after the birth of my first child Sam. It was an escapism for me, fast forward 9-10 years and two more children Seren and Gruff ive been a full time printmaker for a couple of years, well as full time as three children in lockdown now allows!
What inspires you?
I find this hard to pin point, I’m very much a magpie and I’m easily distracted. I guess a running theme is nostalgia, memories from my childhood, the raising of my own children and life in rural wales. My most recent works have been consumed with nostalgia from my own childhood and upbringing, maybe I’m wondering what my children will make of theirs, the similarities but the inevitable differences.
I’m really enjoying the embossed element to my work, how the resulting pressure from the form of the wood, changes the surface of the paper, permanently, adding interest and enrichment but quietly and unassumingly. Aesthetically I’m heavily drawn to traditional and more contemporary quilt work, the combination of the geometry with organic and fluid textures, a pared back timeless simplicity that’s uncompromised on skill and time invested.
Because its the closest thing to magic that I know of.
I struggled with painting throughout my degree, never really achieving my desired aesthetic, I now understand why, I was in the wrong discipline. I love the process and the fact that there is a guiding hand and a printing technique to fulfil. It meets all of my aesthetic desires and still holds my interest, I feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface.
How and where did you learn to print?
My first taste of printmaking started early in Secondary School, we had a great art teacher, Huw Art who had a printmaking degree from Loughborough. We would make reduction lino prints with oil based inks, I can still remember washing my hands in white spirit! I also had the opportunity to take a printmaking module on my foundation at CCTA Carmarthen with John Selway.
Then that was it for years until I joined a local print group – Printers in the Sticks, after the birth of my first child Sam. It was an escapism for me, fast forward 9-10 years and two more children Seren and Gruff ive been a full time printmaker for a couple of years, well as full time as three children in lockdown now allows!
What inspires you?
I find this hard to pin point, I’m very much a magpie and I’m easily distracted. I guess a running theme is nostalgia, memories from my childhood, the raising of my own children and life in rural wales. My most recent works have been consumed with nostalgia from my own childhood and upbringing, maybe I’m wondering what my children will make of theirs, the similarities but the inevitable differences.
I’m really enjoying the embossed element to my work, how the resulting pressure from the form of the wood, changes the surface of the paper, permanently, adding interest and enrichment but quietly and unassumingly. Aesthetically I’m heavily drawn to traditional and more contemporary quilt work, the combination of the geometry with organic and fluid textures, a pared back timeless simplicity that’s uncompromised on skill and time invested.
Helo, Marian ydw i, ac yn fyr dwi’n Artist Print, Mam i dri sy'n trial yn galed i dyfu tomatos, rydw i'n byw yn Ngorllewin Cymru ar ochr rhiw gwyntog yng Ngheredigion.
Cyn mis Mawrth a’r lockdown, byddwn i wedi dweud wrthych chi sut y byddai fy nyddiau'n dechrau gyda gadel y plant yn yr ysgol jyst lawr y rhewl. Ar ôl dychwelyd adref byddwn yn rhoi’r tegell ymlaen ac yn dal i fyny ar gyfryngau cymdeithasol ac yn darllen e-byst wrth wneud rhestr ar gyfer swyddi’r dydd, yn cyrraedd y wasg ychydig cyn cinio ar ôl llwyth o olchi neu rywbeth tebyg fydde wedi llwyddo i dynnu fy sylw, mi fydde 3.30 yn cyraedd wap just wrth i fi dachre cael blas arni.
Dros Ebrill a Mai roeddem ni i gyd adref, roeddwn yn gallu pigo i mewn ac allan o waith fel roedd angen, popeth yn gyfleus wrth law yn y sied ar ddiwedd yr ardd ac Andy fy ngŵr adref i ofalu am y plant. Mi welais cynnydd yn y gwerthiant ar-lein, wrth i mi gymryd rhan mewn Marchnadoedd digidol, cysur mawr gan fy mod fel sawl arall ar golled wrth i arddangosfeydd a ffeiriau cael eu cai a canslo. Lansiais diwtorial fideo un i un ar-lein, sydd wedi cael derbyniad da ac yn hyfrydwch llwyr ei gyflwyno – amseroedd da!
Cyn mis Mawrth a’r lockdown, byddwn i wedi dweud wrthych chi sut y byddai fy nyddiau'n dechrau gyda gadel y plant yn yr ysgol jyst lawr y rhewl. Ar ôl dychwelyd adref byddwn yn rhoi’r tegell ymlaen ac yn dal i fyny ar gyfryngau cymdeithasol ac yn darllen e-byst wrth wneud rhestr ar gyfer swyddi’r dydd, yn cyrraedd y wasg ychydig cyn cinio ar ôl llwyth o olchi neu rywbeth tebyg fydde wedi llwyddo i dynnu fy sylw, mi fydde 3.30 yn cyraedd wap just wrth i fi dachre cael blas arni.
Dros Ebrill a Mai roeddem ni i gyd adref, roeddwn yn gallu pigo i mewn ac allan o waith fel roedd angen, popeth yn gyfleus wrth law yn y sied ar ddiwedd yr ardd ac Andy fy ngŵr adref i ofalu am y plant. Mi welais cynnydd yn y gwerthiant ar-lein, wrth i mi gymryd rhan mewn Marchnadoedd digidol, cysur mawr gan fy mod fel sawl arall ar golled wrth i arddangosfeydd a ffeiriau cael eu cai a canslo. Lansiais diwtorial fideo un i un ar-lein, sydd wedi cael derbyniad da ac yn hyfrydwch llwyr ei gyflwyno – amseroedd da!
Mae hi bellach yn fis Mehefin ac mae pethau wedi newid unwaith eto, dychwelodd Andy i'r gwaith ac rydw i nawr wedi dachre ddeffro'n gynnar i wasgu mewn amser cyn addysg gartref a thasgau dyddiol, penwythnosau bellach yw fy wythnos o waith ynghyd â phrynhawn cipiedig fan hyn a fan draw tra bod y plant ar goll wrth chwarae .
Rwy'n teimlo'n ffodus iawn o gael y sied, adeiladodd Andy hi tua 3 blynedd yn ôl ac mae ganddo ddau hanner o'r un maint, hanner yr un, mae wedi'i inswleiddio ac yn ole, mae'n gartref i'm gwasg fach a chist gynllun hardd y llwyddodd Andy i'w chyfnewid am brynhawn o waith i bensaer oedd wedi ymddeol.
Rwy'n teimlo'n ffodus iawn o gael y sied, adeiladodd Andy hi tua 3 blynedd yn ôl ac mae ganddo ddau hanner o'r un maint, hanner yr un, mae wedi'i inswleiddio ac yn ole, mae'n gartref i'm gwasg fach a chist gynllun hardd y llwyddodd Andy i'w chyfnewid am brynhawn o waith i bensaer oedd wedi ymddeol.
 | Disgrifiwch eich proses gwneud printiau: Rwy'n dylluan nos go iawn felly mae fy holl syniadau a chynlluniau yn tueddu i lenwi fy mhen pan ddylwn i fod yn cysgu, nid wyf yn un ar gyfer llyfrau braslunio er fy mod i'n ceisio. Byddaf yn treulio peth amser yn meddwl ac yn mireinio syniad cyn cynllunio'r print yn syth ar bapur olrhain, mae'r syniad bron wedi'i ddatrys yn llawn yn fy mhen cyn hyn a dim ond mater o weithio allan logisteg, haenau, lleoliad a thôn ydyw. Unwaith y byddaf yn hapus gyda'r cyfansoddiad, mae'r ddelwedd yn cael ei throsglwyddo i bwrdd mowntio sef yr hyn rwy'n ei ddefnyddio fel fy mhlât argraffu. |
Yna dwi’n gweithio i mewn i'r mownt ac yn awr fe ddechreuaf arlunio er bod strwythur mwy ffurfiol y print yn ei le mae'r arlunio yn digwydd nawr, yn ddigymell, yn frenetig ar brydiau, gan dynnu haenau tenau i ffwrdd i ddatgelu arwyneb mwy gweadog sy'n dal yr inc ac yn rhoi eich tonau tywyllach wrth ei grafu yna ymlaen i creu llinellau, dotiau a marciau rheoledig ac afreolus (rwy'n hoffi'r darn hwn lot fawr!) mlaen i ychwanegu glud ar yr wyneb i’r mannau golau, Mae’r bwrdd mowntio yn cael ei dorri i siâp, selio â shellac ac yn awr yn barod i’w incio. Gall yr incio gymryd dros awr ar gyfer darnau mwyaf.
Erbyn hyn mae gan y mwyafrif o brintiau ail naratif a phroses iddynt, boglynnog cynnil sydd, wrth edrych yn agosach arno, yn datgelu ei hun i'r gwyliwr, yn y gobaith o wobrwyo'r chwilfrydig a'u dal am sgwrs hirach. Gwneir y boglynnu trwy doriadau pren a ply wedi'u torri â laser. Pan fydd pob elfen yn barod fe'u hanfonir trwy'r wasg gyda phapur llaith. Gydag un llaw y tu ôl im cefn am bysedd wedi croesi rwyn codi'r papur ar gyfer y datgeliad!
Pam Argraffi?
Gan eu bod yn hudol.
Fe wnes i byth dod mlan cant y cant gyda phaentio trwy gydol fy ngradd, doedd o ddim yn gyflawni fy esthetig dymunol mewn gwirionedd, rydw i nawr yn deall pam, roeddwn i yn y ddisgyblaeth anghywir.
Rwyf wrth fy modd â'r broses a'r ffaith bod llaw dywys a thechneg argraffu i'w chyflawni. Mae'n cwrdd â'm holl ddymuniadau esthetig ac yn dal i ddal fy niddordeb, rwy'n teimlo mae dim ond crafu'r wyneb ydw i.
Sut a ble wnaethoch chi ddysgu I argraffu?
Dechreuodd fy chwaeth gyntaf o argraffi yn yr Ysgol Uwchradd, roedd gennym athro celf gwych, Huw Art a oedd â gradd argraffi o Loughborough, toriadau leino gydag inciau olew, rwy'n dal i gofio golchi fy nwylo mewn white spirits! Cefais gyfle hefyd i wneud modiwl argraffi ar fy mlwyddyn sylfaen yn CCTA Caerfyrddin gyda John Selway. Yna dyna ni am flynyddoedd nes i mi ymuno â grŵp print lleol - Printers in the Sticks, ar ôl genedigaeth fy mhlentyn cyntaf Sam. Roedd yn ddihangfa i mi, mae 9-10 mlynedd ers ni a dau blentyn arall Seren a Gruff, ac erbyn nawr dwi’n Artist llawn amser, well mor llawn amser a mae tri phlentyn yn lockdown yn caniatau!
Beth sy'n eich ysbrydoli?
Rwy'n ei chael hi'n anodd i pwyntio'r at hyn, mae'n hawdd tynnu fy sylw. Rwy'n mynd i weud mae hiraeth yw’r llinyn syn redeg trwy y ran fwyaf, atgofion o fy mhlentyndod, magu fy mhlant fy hun a bywyd yn nghefn gwlad. Mae fy ngweithiau diweddaraf yn llawn hiraeth o fy mhlentyndod a’m magwraeth, efallai fy mod yn pendroni beth fydd fy mhlant yn ei meddwl o'u plentyndod nhw, y tebygrwydd ond y gwahaniaethau anochel.
Rwy'n mwynhau'r elfen boglynnu yn fy ngwaith yn fawr, sut mae'r pwysau sy'n deillio o ffurf y pren, yn newid wyneb y papur, yn barhaol, gan ychwanegu diddordeb a chyfoethogi ond yn dawel ac yn ddiymhongar. O rhan esthetig, rydw i wedi cael fy nhynnu'n helaeth at waith cwilt traddodiadol a mwy cyfoes, y cyfuniad o'r geometreg â gweadau organig a hylifol, symlrwydd bythol sy'n ddigyfaddawd ar sgil ac amser a fuddsoddwyd.
Pam Argraffi?
Gan eu bod yn hudol.
Fe wnes i byth dod mlan cant y cant gyda phaentio trwy gydol fy ngradd, doedd o ddim yn gyflawni fy esthetig dymunol mewn gwirionedd, rydw i nawr yn deall pam, roeddwn i yn y ddisgyblaeth anghywir.
Rwyf wrth fy modd â'r broses a'r ffaith bod llaw dywys a thechneg argraffu i'w chyflawni. Mae'n cwrdd â'm holl ddymuniadau esthetig ac yn dal i ddal fy niddordeb, rwy'n teimlo mae dim ond crafu'r wyneb ydw i.
Sut a ble wnaethoch chi ddysgu I argraffu?
Dechreuodd fy chwaeth gyntaf o argraffi yn yr Ysgol Uwchradd, roedd gennym athro celf gwych, Huw Art a oedd â gradd argraffi o Loughborough, toriadau leino gydag inciau olew, rwy'n dal i gofio golchi fy nwylo mewn white spirits! Cefais gyfle hefyd i wneud modiwl argraffi ar fy mlwyddyn sylfaen yn CCTA Caerfyrddin gyda John Selway. Yna dyna ni am flynyddoedd nes i mi ymuno â grŵp print lleol - Printers in the Sticks, ar ôl genedigaeth fy mhlentyn cyntaf Sam. Roedd yn ddihangfa i mi, mae 9-10 mlynedd ers ni a dau blentyn arall Seren a Gruff, ac erbyn nawr dwi’n Artist llawn amser, well mor llawn amser a mae tri phlentyn yn lockdown yn caniatau!
Beth sy'n eich ysbrydoli?
Rwy'n ei chael hi'n anodd i pwyntio'r at hyn, mae'n hawdd tynnu fy sylw. Rwy'n mynd i weud mae hiraeth yw’r llinyn syn redeg trwy y ran fwyaf, atgofion o fy mhlentyndod, magu fy mhlant fy hun a bywyd yn nghefn gwlad. Mae fy ngweithiau diweddaraf yn llawn hiraeth o fy mhlentyndod a’m magwraeth, efallai fy mod yn pendroni beth fydd fy mhlant yn ei meddwl o'u plentyndod nhw, y tebygrwydd ond y gwahaniaethau anochel.
Rwy'n mwynhau'r elfen boglynnu yn fy ngwaith yn fawr, sut mae'r pwysau sy'n deillio o ffurf y pren, yn newid wyneb y papur, yn barhaol, gan ychwanegu diddordeb a chyfoethogi ond yn dawel ac yn ddiymhongar. O rhan esthetig, rydw i wedi cael fy nhynnu'n helaeth at waith cwilt traddodiadol a mwy cyfoes, y cyfuniad o'r geometreg â gweadau organig a hylifol, symlrwydd bythol sy'n ddigyfaddawd ar sgil ac amser a fuddsoddwyd.
makers blog: CHRISTIAN RYAN
1/6/2020
Digital Stained Glass Journeys During Coronavirus
For the artists and craftspeople who are used to working on their own, there is some comfort, during this pandemic, that social distancing and self-isolation come quite naturally. I know it’s helped me a little bit!
Following the initial lockdown most commissioned work has been on hold. Getting on site to measure has not been possible and I can’t get hold of the glass I need. However, a couple of small restoration projects have kept things ticking over, to some degree.
I’ve also had the chance to start some new pieces for a stained glass group exhibition called Journeys-Teithiau, that was originally due to be held in Yorkshire this July. With the expectation that the physical exhibition might be cancelled, we put together a website to show some of the work in development. You can see glimpses of work in progress at different stages, that will result in showcasing the final pieces online, until we get the chance to exhibit together again.
Collage design work in progress for exhibition Journeys-Teithiau
For the artists and craftspeople who are used to working on their own, there is some comfort, during this pandemic, that social distancing and self-isolation come quite naturally. I know it’s helped me a little bit!
Following the initial lockdown most commissioned work has been on hold. Getting on site to measure has not been possible and I can’t get hold of the glass I need. However, a couple of small restoration projects have kept things ticking over, to some degree.
I’ve also had the chance to start some new pieces for a stained glass group exhibition called Journeys-Teithiau, that was originally due to be held in Yorkshire this July. With the expectation that the physical exhibition might be cancelled, we put together a website to show some of the work in development. You can see glimpses of work in progress at different stages, that will result in showcasing the final pieces online, until we get the chance to exhibit together again.
Collage design work in progress for exhibition Journeys-Teithiau
The theme of ‘journeys’ is explored quite differently by all the participating artists in their individual styles, although they all use traditional stained glass techniques. More photos will be added as the work develops, and the translation from the drawings to stained glass takes place.
Many things in life have moved from the physical to the digital, just as this exhibition has. I’m sure that many things will stay that way, at least for the time being. As the current lockdown eases we look forward to when we can spend more time with the people we love, go out to see and experience art, craft and architecture once again, and move from the digital experience back to the physical.
You can take a look here: www.stainedglass-journeys-teithiau.co.uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/journeys_teithiau/
Many things in life have moved from the physical to the digital, just as this exhibition has. I’m sure that many things will stay that way, at least for the time being. As the current lockdown eases we look forward to when we can spend more time with the people we love, go out to see and experience art, craft and architecture once again, and move from the digital experience back to the physical.
You can take a look here: www.stainedglass-journeys-teithiau.co.uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/journeys_teithiau/
MAKERS BLOG: ELUNED GLYN
26/5/2020
Ers i gyfyngiadau coronafirws ddod mewn, rwyf wedi cael mwy o amser i fy hunan, sydd wedi bod yn fendith ac yn felltith mewn sawl ffordd. Mae wedi bod yn braf cael yr amser i weithio trwy rai syniadau newydd, ac ail-gynnau fy nghariad at wneud gwaith serameg. Mewn ffyrdd eraill, mae cael yr amser ychwanegol wedi bod yn frawychus gan deimlo pwysau i fod yn greadigol drwy’r amser, hyd yn oed pan mae'n rhaid delio â gweinyddiaeth bywyd a busnes!
Mae'n anodd fel ceramegydd symud syniadau a chysyniadau i 3D, oherwydd ei bod hi'n anodd prynu deunyddiau, gyda llawer o siopau ar gau yn ystod yr amser hwn. Felly, rwyf wedi bod yn canolbwyntio ar farchnata'r gwaith yr oeddwn wedi'i gynhyrchu yn ystod y flwyddyn ddiwethaf, gan gymryd rhan mewn ffeiriau crefft ar-lein gyda Menter Caerdydd a Menter Bro Morgannwg, a diweddaru fy ngwefan a siop gyda dyluniadau yr oeddwn wedi bod yn gweithio arnynt cyn y cyfyngiadau symud. Yn ystod y ffair grefftau, bu cyffro, yn yr un modd ag y byddech yn eu gael mewn ffair grefftau reolaidd, gan dderbyn gwerthiannau ac ymholiadau drwy gydol y dydd.
Mae'r pandemig wedi gofyn i wneuthurwyr feddwl am wahanol ffyrdd o werthu a hysbysebu eu gwaith. Mae hyn yn cynnwys defnyddio straeon Instagram a Facebook er mantais iddynt, trwy werthu darnau yn uniongyrchol i'w cwsmeriaid. Y ffair y cymerais ran ynddi y penwythnos diwethaf oedd y gyntaf o'i math, ac roedd yn broffidiol o ran gwerthiannau a chwsmeriaid newydd. Yn bersonol, rwy'n teimlo y bydd yn rhaid i wneuthurwyr, busnesau a phobl greadigol arallgyfeirio eu ffrydiau refeniw yn ystod yr amser anodd hwn, a bydd y dull hwn o werthu yn sicrhau cryfder ychwanegol i wneuthurwyr barhau â'u harfer creadigol. Gyda Urdd Gwneuthurwyr Cymru yn sicrhau cyllid gan Sefydliad Garfield Weston i ddatblygu siop ar-lein newydd, edrychaf ymlaen at weld datblygiadau'r siop yn y dyfodol agos.
I’ve found myself with more time since being in lock-down, which has been a blessing and a curse in many ways. It’s been nice to get the time to work through some new ideas, and to re-kindle my love for making. In other ways, having that time has been daunting and you nearly feel pressure to be creative the whole time, even when life and business admin has to be dealt with!
It’s difficult as a ceramicist to move ideas and concepts on to a 3D stage, due to it being difficult to buy materials, with many shops closed during this time. Therefore, I’ve been focussing on marketing the work that I had produced in the last year, taking part in online craft fairs through Menter Caerdydd and Menter Bro Morgannwg, and updating my website and shop with designs that I had been working on before the lockdown. During the craft fair, there was a real rush and excitement, just as you would a regular craft fair, with sales and enquiries coming in throughout the day.
The pandemic has required makers to think of different ways of selling and advertising their work. This includes using Instagram and Facebook stories to their advantage, by selling pieces directly to their customers. The fair that I took part in last weekend was the first of its kind, and was lucrative in terms of sales and new customers. Personally, I do feel that makers, businesses and creatives will have to diversify their revenue streams during this difficult time, and this method of selling will ensure additional strength for makers to continue with their creative practice. With the Makers Guild Wales securing funding from The Garfield Weston Foundation to develop a new online shop, I look forward to seeing the developments of the shop in the near future.
Mae'n anodd fel ceramegydd symud syniadau a chysyniadau i 3D, oherwydd ei bod hi'n anodd prynu deunyddiau, gyda llawer o siopau ar gau yn ystod yr amser hwn. Felly, rwyf wedi bod yn canolbwyntio ar farchnata'r gwaith yr oeddwn wedi'i gynhyrchu yn ystod y flwyddyn ddiwethaf, gan gymryd rhan mewn ffeiriau crefft ar-lein gyda Menter Caerdydd a Menter Bro Morgannwg, a diweddaru fy ngwefan a siop gyda dyluniadau yr oeddwn wedi bod yn gweithio arnynt cyn y cyfyngiadau symud. Yn ystod y ffair grefftau, bu cyffro, yn yr un modd ag y byddech yn eu gael mewn ffair grefftau reolaidd, gan dderbyn gwerthiannau ac ymholiadau drwy gydol y dydd.
Mae'r pandemig wedi gofyn i wneuthurwyr feddwl am wahanol ffyrdd o werthu a hysbysebu eu gwaith. Mae hyn yn cynnwys defnyddio straeon Instagram a Facebook er mantais iddynt, trwy werthu darnau yn uniongyrchol i'w cwsmeriaid. Y ffair y cymerais ran ynddi y penwythnos diwethaf oedd y gyntaf o'i math, ac roedd yn broffidiol o ran gwerthiannau a chwsmeriaid newydd. Yn bersonol, rwy'n teimlo y bydd yn rhaid i wneuthurwyr, busnesau a phobl greadigol arallgyfeirio eu ffrydiau refeniw yn ystod yr amser anodd hwn, a bydd y dull hwn o werthu yn sicrhau cryfder ychwanegol i wneuthurwyr barhau â'u harfer creadigol. Gyda Urdd Gwneuthurwyr Cymru yn sicrhau cyllid gan Sefydliad Garfield Weston i ddatblygu siop ar-lein newydd, edrychaf ymlaen at weld datblygiadau'r siop yn y dyfodol agos.
I’ve found myself with more time since being in lock-down, which has been a blessing and a curse in many ways. It’s been nice to get the time to work through some new ideas, and to re-kindle my love for making. In other ways, having that time has been daunting and you nearly feel pressure to be creative the whole time, even when life and business admin has to be dealt with!
It’s difficult as a ceramicist to move ideas and concepts on to a 3D stage, due to it being difficult to buy materials, with many shops closed during this time. Therefore, I’ve been focussing on marketing the work that I had produced in the last year, taking part in online craft fairs through Menter Caerdydd and Menter Bro Morgannwg, and updating my website and shop with designs that I had been working on before the lockdown. During the craft fair, there was a real rush and excitement, just as you would a regular craft fair, with sales and enquiries coming in throughout the day.
The pandemic has required makers to think of different ways of selling and advertising their work. This includes using Instagram and Facebook stories to their advantage, by selling pieces directly to their customers. The fair that I took part in last weekend was the first of its kind, and was lucrative in terms of sales and new customers. Personally, I do feel that makers, businesses and creatives will have to diversify their revenue streams during this difficult time, and this method of selling will ensure additional strength for makers to continue with their creative practice. With the Makers Guild Wales securing funding from The Garfield Weston Foundation to develop a new online shop, I look forward to seeing the developments of the shop in the near future.
makers blog: harriet chapman
13/5/2020
Keepsake Book Cover Kits - available to order.
Keepsake Book Cover Kits
I have been designing a "Keepsake book cover kit". I was thinking about ways to still receive an income in this difficult time and this was something I was going to do as a workshop in my new space in Aberaeron, Craft Centre with the pupils that come to my classes.
Things like this always take time to create, I had a zoom workshop which everyone enjoyed and I had great feedback. So I then decided to write an instruction leaflet to go with it. One part of the cover is the photograph. I print a photograph onto fabric, chosen by the person purchasing the kit. Combined with my choice of fabrics and embellishments it is a really lovely thing to receive in the post. A simple thing to make up and you don't need to be really skilled in sewing. I really enjoy gathering all the components together.
Order your fabric keepsake cover kit here £18 (includes postage and packing)
Email the photograph you would like Harriett to print onto fabric to [email protected]
I have been designing a "Keepsake book cover kit". I was thinking about ways to still receive an income in this difficult time and this was something I was going to do as a workshop in my new space in Aberaeron, Craft Centre with the pupils that come to my classes.
Things like this always take time to create, I had a zoom workshop which everyone enjoyed and I had great feedback. So I then decided to write an instruction leaflet to go with it. One part of the cover is the photograph. I print a photograph onto fabric, chosen by the person purchasing the kit. Combined with my choice of fabrics and embellishments it is a really lovely thing to receive in the post. A simple thing to make up and you don't need to be really skilled in sewing. I really enjoy gathering all the components together.
Order your fabric keepsake cover kit here £18 (includes postage and packing)
Email the photograph you would like Harriett to print onto fabric to [email protected]
makers blog: anne Morgan
11/5/2020
It’s okay to pause....
Like everyone, the imminent news of lockdown left me in shock and grieving for the future of my business. There were a few certain things that came with the news- I’d lose my staff and my customers, my income and my routine. I had finally got an amazing team around me and business was going well, commissions were reaching 5 digit numbers regularly. The selling wasn’t so hard anymore because people were getting it! Getting that handmade jewellery was better than off the shelf jewellery. I had just completed the trophies for BBC Young Musician of the Year 2020 and was planning a refit of the gallery. There was money in the bank albeit to pay the VAT man but it wasn’t quite as stressful as previous years.
I knew we’d be ok really but I felt bereft. My heart ached for my daughters who are now in secondary school and missing vital parts of their education. My heart broke for those a year older than Lily that would not be taking their GCSE’s. It was all so unfair but so necessary. I read all the articles about learning a language, a new skill and thought what a ridiculous suggestion - this is not a holiday, this a pandemic for goodness sake. I thought okay, this is fine I’ll be there for my family. Nothing ever takes away a mother’s guilt of not being able to be everything to them, especially when the gallery opened and they were still in primary school! I could make amends. Only they didn’t want me. I felt completely redundant as a business owner, a wife and a mother. I cried for days. Didn’t we all?
I went on Instagram and followed art groups like @isolationartclub to feel that maybe there was another way I could be creative with my family, sadly they just looked at me the only way daughters looks at their mothers when they’ve said something so ridiculous, almost embarrassingly so. (I have made them watch Grayson Perry Art Club on channel 4 and they do secretly enjoy it!)
I thought I’d spend time making jewellery in preparation for when business could open again. I set a plan of going to work, only when I got there I didn’t know where to start, my team wasn’t there and it was just me. So, I took time to pause, probably the first time in 4 years since I opened Anne Morgan Jewellery. I listened to podcasts and read a few articles that were less about learning new skills and more reminders that we’d be ok!
https://www.papercitymag.com/culture/generation-x-earns-respect-conronavirus-pandemic-stay-home/
I read this article and started to feel ok, it made me laugh and I thought- we’ve got this!
I tried to listen to podcasts about running businesses specifically jewellery and creative businesses, something I’d half done before but could never give it my full attention. Then Laura Thomas shared the amazing invite to attend Serious Stylish Business zoom coaching sessions. I’m not one for manifesting and the thought of thanking my body after a yoga session seemed a little silly to me. Nicky Wilkes has run her own businesses in retail and interior styling before. Because I knew her I was more open to listening to her, and besides it meant I was filling my diary with something. A two hour call about how to be the best you can for the whole of April. Unfortunately, I missed the first one but I got a lot out of the meetings, I loved the way Nicky spoke and it really inspired me. It didn’t give me a lightbulb moment but it certainly instilled the motivation I needed and if I’m honest it helped me realise that I was going in right direction after all. If anyone knows me they know my constant self-doubt and inability to make a decision without talking about it for several weeks is probably quite annoying (my husband thinks it is). Am I doing the right thing? - not in jewellery making but the way I run the business- two very different things I’ve learnt over the past few years.
The meeting was with about 20 other creative people in different stages and different business types. At the end of it there was an opportunity to sign up to a longer paid for course. I loved everything that was being said but I’m not sure it’s right for me at the moment. What it did was give me some direction, it gave me what I needed which was a little pause and timeout. Despite it being forced upon me it has been a really good thing. I’ve used the time to take a little self-care and assess family life with the dynamics of teenagers and creative parents all doing their own thing but being there for each other.
I’ve also listened to other self-care podcasts and am discovering things about myself and where and who I want to be. I’ve written this! I would never have done this before. Either I was too busy or not good enough. It’s not my natural habitat and there are much better writers than me- words are not really my friends but apart from the fact Simon asked me to write something I thought it might pave the way for more eloquent natural writers to contribute.
Life as a self-employed business owner is going to be tough- will we ever make up the loss we have encountered with no money coming through the tills? I am thinking positively; I’ve spent most of my adult life in a recession and I know it can get better. It’s all about looking at what we do in a different light. I’m embracing the technology we have and following what others are doing.
Before Lockdown we had arranged for a Gemmologist to join us for a Gin and Gemstone evening. My staff and I had attended a diamond identification course with Kerry and she was so full of enthusiasm it had to be repeated but this time with my customers. She’s already put in place Facebook lives and zoom classes. So instead of cancelling we’re doing it on zoom instead! It might not secure a jewellery sale but it will keep everyone’s attention. I personally think that that’s the key. The more people see you and the more of a story you give them then the more intriguing you become. Everyone loves a story so give it to them in small bite sizes pieces and don’t underestimate how interesting you and your work are. How things are made is always something to show. I saw that Adam Buick had done a kiln opening live. I missed the actual opening but saw the photos of the process. I wanted to see more.
There are countless videos I watch of jewellers making. It makes be hungry to see more and it makes me want to support these amazing businesses. The hashtag #artistsupportpledge has really made me think about all the purchases I haven’t quite made and the people less fortunate than me. I’ve bought a painting by Sophie Capron and a couple of mugs from James and Tilla Waters and jewellery from John Moore and I don’t care if I might not have the money! I’m lucky that I am getting government help with the business premises, furloughed staff are being paid mortgage payment is on a break and I will get some money in June. And I’ll have some lovely craft to mark this time. My next move is to try and get in front of the camera and talk more to my customers just like I do in the shop.
I have a refit to prepare for and a new website in progress and I’m actually not ready for things to start up again. I’m on the whole enjoying this pause- poor though I may be in the interim.
I’d love to hear your stories and ideas of how to engage with our customers over the next few weeks- months even.
Anne Morgan
Like everyone, the imminent news of lockdown left me in shock and grieving for the future of my business. There were a few certain things that came with the news- I’d lose my staff and my customers, my income and my routine. I had finally got an amazing team around me and business was going well, commissions were reaching 5 digit numbers regularly. The selling wasn’t so hard anymore because people were getting it! Getting that handmade jewellery was better than off the shelf jewellery. I had just completed the trophies for BBC Young Musician of the Year 2020 and was planning a refit of the gallery. There was money in the bank albeit to pay the VAT man but it wasn’t quite as stressful as previous years.
I knew we’d be ok really but I felt bereft. My heart ached for my daughters who are now in secondary school and missing vital parts of their education. My heart broke for those a year older than Lily that would not be taking their GCSE’s. It was all so unfair but so necessary. I read all the articles about learning a language, a new skill and thought what a ridiculous suggestion - this is not a holiday, this a pandemic for goodness sake. I thought okay, this is fine I’ll be there for my family. Nothing ever takes away a mother’s guilt of not being able to be everything to them, especially when the gallery opened and they were still in primary school! I could make amends. Only they didn’t want me. I felt completely redundant as a business owner, a wife and a mother. I cried for days. Didn’t we all?
I went on Instagram and followed art groups like @isolationartclub to feel that maybe there was another way I could be creative with my family, sadly they just looked at me the only way daughters looks at their mothers when they’ve said something so ridiculous, almost embarrassingly so. (I have made them watch Grayson Perry Art Club on channel 4 and they do secretly enjoy it!)
I thought I’d spend time making jewellery in preparation for when business could open again. I set a plan of going to work, only when I got there I didn’t know where to start, my team wasn’t there and it was just me. So, I took time to pause, probably the first time in 4 years since I opened Anne Morgan Jewellery. I listened to podcasts and read a few articles that were less about learning new skills and more reminders that we’d be ok!
https://www.papercitymag.com/culture/generation-x-earns-respect-conronavirus-pandemic-stay-home/
I read this article and started to feel ok, it made me laugh and I thought- we’ve got this!
I tried to listen to podcasts about running businesses specifically jewellery and creative businesses, something I’d half done before but could never give it my full attention. Then Laura Thomas shared the amazing invite to attend Serious Stylish Business zoom coaching sessions. I’m not one for manifesting and the thought of thanking my body after a yoga session seemed a little silly to me. Nicky Wilkes has run her own businesses in retail and interior styling before. Because I knew her I was more open to listening to her, and besides it meant I was filling my diary with something. A two hour call about how to be the best you can for the whole of April. Unfortunately, I missed the first one but I got a lot out of the meetings, I loved the way Nicky spoke and it really inspired me. It didn’t give me a lightbulb moment but it certainly instilled the motivation I needed and if I’m honest it helped me realise that I was going in right direction after all. If anyone knows me they know my constant self-doubt and inability to make a decision without talking about it for several weeks is probably quite annoying (my husband thinks it is). Am I doing the right thing? - not in jewellery making but the way I run the business- two very different things I’ve learnt over the past few years.
The meeting was with about 20 other creative people in different stages and different business types. At the end of it there was an opportunity to sign up to a longer paid for course. I loved everything that was being said but I’m not sure it’s right for me at the moment. What it did was give me some direction, it gave me what I needed which was a little pause and timeout. Despite it being forced upon me it has been a really good thing. I’ve used the time to take a little self-care and assess family life with the dynamics of teenagers and creative parents all doing their own thing but being there for each other.
I’ve also listened to other self-care podcasts and am discovering things about myself and where and who I want to be. I’ve written this! I would never have done this before. Either I was too busy or not good enough. It’s not my natural habitat and there are much better writers than me- words are not really my friends but apart from the fact Simon asked me to write something I thought it might pave the way for more eloquent natural writers to contribute.
Life as a self-employed business owner is going to be tough- will we ever make up the loss we have encountered with no money coming through the tills? I am thinking positively; I’ve spent most of my adult life in a recession and I know it can get better. It’s all about looking at what we do in a different light. I’m embracing the technology we have and following what others are doing.
Before Lockdown we had arranged for a Gemmologist to join us for a Gin and Gemstone evening. My staff and I had attended a diamond identification course with Kerry and she was so full of enthusiasm it had to be repeated but this time with my customers. She’s already put in place Facebook lives and zoom classes. So instead of cancelling we’re doing it on zoom instead! It might not secure a jewellery sale but it will keep everyone’s attention. I personally think that that’s the key. The more people see you and the more of a story you give them then the more intriguing you become. Everyone loves a story so give it to them in small bite sizes pieces and don’t underestimate how interesting you and your work are. How things are made is always something to show. I saw that Adam Buick had done a kiln opening live. I missed the actual opening but saw the photos of the process. I wanted to see more.
There are countless videos I watch of jewellers making. It makes be hungry to see more and it makes me want to support these amazing businesses. The hashtag #artistsupportpledge has really made me think about all the purchases I haven’t quite made and the people less fortunate than me. I’ve bought a painting by Sophie Capron and a couple of mugs from James and Tilla Waters and jewellery from John Moore and I don’t care if I might not have the money! I’m lucky that I am getting government help with the business premises, furloughed staff are being paid mortgage payment is on a break and I will get some money in June. And I’ll have some lovely craft to mark this time. My next move is to try and get in front of the camera and talk more to my customers just like I do in the shop.
I have a refit to prepare for and a new website in progress and I’m actually not ready for things to start up again. I’m on the whole enjoying this pause- poor though I may be in the interim.
I’d love to hear your stories and ideas of how to engage with our customers over the next few weeks- months even.
Anne Morgan
MAKERS BLOG: lYNDA sHELL
28/4/2020
SCRUBS FOR WALES
Listening to the heartbreaking stories from a friend of mine who is a paramedic on the frontline I realized how hard it is for them risking their own lives to save others especially without the proper protection.
I wanted to do something to help but didn’t know what. So when I saw on Facebook that a friend of mine was involved in ‘Scrubs for Wales Hospitals’ to raise funds to make scrubs for the NHS I decided to volunteer and put my sewing skills to good use.
Listening to the heartbreaking stories from a friend of mine who is a paramedic on the frontline I realized how hard it is for them risking their own lives to save others especially without the proper protection.
I wanted to do something to help but didn’t know what. So when I saw on Facebook that a friend of mine was involved in ‘Scrubs for Wales Hospitals’ to raise funds to make scrubs for the NHS I decided to volunteer and put my sewing skills to good use.
My first batch of fabric quickly arrived and with my bags making all put aside and shelved my workshop very quickly turned into a production line of scrub making.
Over £10,000 of donations have been raised to buy materials and there are now over 30 volunteers involved in the operation, from fabric cutters & sewers to people organizing and delivering, it’s a huge team effort and all are working hard to get the much needed scrubs to our wonderful NHS staff. It’s a pleasure to be part of the effort and be able to help in some way.
We will all still be sewing for another 4 weeks at least. The team have completed 500 so far with 1000 as the target- so a bit more work to do!
We will all still be sewing for another 4 weeks at least. The team have completed 500 so far with 1000 as the target- so a bit more work to do!
Makers blog: clare revera
Adapting to the Covid-19 Situation as a Self Employed Basketmaker
Since Covid all my regular teaching and workshops have been cancelled, also major events such as large shows which I would normally be very busy preparing for - suddenly my working life is entirely different! Luckily I have been and still am busy with lots of orders which I have enjoyed having dedicated time to weave rather than fitting my making in between my teaching, which is my normal situation. Family and friends have also taken the opportunity to order baskets which they have hinted about for years and I have even woven a Cyntell for myself. I am planning to continue making stock (which I never normally have) if and when I run out of orders.
This year I was supposed to be teaching 2 long courses in Harrogate for the National Basketmaker's Association in April and in Iowa in the USA in June. I spent the time I would be teaching in April weaving instead, a lot of traditional baskets but some more contemporary as well:
Since Covid all my regular teaching and workshops have been cancelled, also major events such as large shows which I would normally be very busy preparing for - suddenly my working life is entirely different! Luckily I have been and still am busy with lots of orders which I have enjoyed having dedicated time to weave rather than fitting my making in between my teaching, which is my normal situation. Family and friends have also taken the opportunity to order baskets which they have hinted about for years and I have even woven a Cyntell for myself. I am planning to continue making stock (which I never normally have) if and when I run out of orders.
This year I was supposed to be teaching 2 long courses in Harrogate for the National Basketmaker's Association in April and in Iowa in the USA in June. I spent the time I would be teaching in April weaving instead, a lot of traditional baskets but some more contemporary as well:
The Welsh baskets I make and teach require a lot of advance preparation and also a lot of material to be harvested and prepared for students to use during class. The Cyntell, the Welsh Shopper and the split rib Trug are made on preformed frames which are traditionally made a year in advance. I have just worked out that the preparation of the frame and first 4 ribs takes around half the time of the construction of the whole basket. Each Cyntell basket requires 7-8 rods of 2 year old willow at least 1” thick, one of these is used to wrap tightly around a circular forma for the rim and the others are then split and shaved. 4 of these are dried around formas, the pattern of which has been handed down from D J Davies.
The Llangwm Fisherwomans Pannier needs 15 pieces of green hazel for the frame as well as the weaving willow. I have used my newfound time well to process the large amount of willow and hazel which I had already harvested for the 8 Harrogate students so now have many frames drying - they won’t waste and next winter I will be able to weave instead. I have also experimented with adapting some of the designs - something I have been planning on doing for years. These frames and ribs are drying currently but new work should emerge from this situation which is exciting.
I am really missing my City and Guilds students who I usually teach every month but we are keeping in close touch through Whats App, emails and video and Skype support, I have also been experimenting with preparing some instructional videos - thank goodness for modern technology!
I have a shop on my WEBSITE feel free to browse and buy if anything catches your eye! I also have an Etsy shop but need to spend time working on my SEO for this as I don't get any orders from it!
I have a shop on my WEBSITE feel free to browse and buy if anything catches your eye! I also have an Etsy shop but need to spend time working on my SEO for this as I don't get any orders from it!
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