Wednesday 15 July 2015

Exciting times......

It usually takes a few days to get back into the swing of things following a two-week holiday.
There's all the general household 'stuff' to catch up on and the prospect of getting back in the work saddle is rarely appealing after time off.

However, (and I can hardly believe this myself) I've hit the ground, if not exactly running, at least at a gentle trot.

I've spent time in the workroom already this week, working on my August workshop kit which will be featured at the Mini Miniature Show, as well as making inroads into preparation for my three one day workshops which will be held this autumn.

Also, as someone renowned for procrastination on a grand scale, I've even begun planning a very special workshop which will be showcased at next year's Cotswold Miniatures Weekend.

Yes, you read that right.  NEXT YEAR! 

October 2016 to be precise.  I'm delighted to have been invited to teach at this prestigious event and my recent French holiday provided the inspiration for a rather wonderful project, for which Nick Day of Treacle Lane is once again designing and producing the kit.  We're still working through the design elements but trust me, it will be A. Mazing.

As will my autumn one day workshops which are scheduled for the following dates:

Saturday 26th September - Everything Alice!                                                             
In this 150th anniversary year of the publication of Alice in Wonderland our first workshop will feature a variety of Alice -themed miniatures, including a range of toys, dolls, boxed games, new toy theatre, pullalong toy cart, playset, illustrated book, shop window display and lots more! 

Saturday 24 October - Toy Theatre Cart                                                                       
The theme for this session is taken from one of my favourite fairy tales..... Little Red Riding Hood.  Students will make a beautifully decorated theatre cart on wheels. Double doors open to reveal the interior, complete with moveable scenery and characters.  As this is a working toy cart, there will be a (hopefully) compliant wolf to pull it along.  Also included in this session are a little toy Red Riding Hood doll, vintage boxed game and tiny book.

Saturday 14 November - Mignonette Toy Doll Presentation Box                         
I just love things in boxes, and especially miniature things in boxes!                                 
This project harks back to the heyday of French dollmaking and the beautiful presentation boxes of the 1890s.  It features a wooden box which will be decorated inside and out with vintage style papers.  Students will then dress a porcelain Jumeau-inspired toy doll and then make a variety of items for her, including costumes, hats, flower posy, fan, a selection of tiny personal accessories, book, toiletries. 
The doll and all of her costumes and accessories can be pinned onto two silk covered pads which can themselves be removed from the box base and lid.                                    
This project is a one-of-a-kind heirloom piece.
We are currently finalising details so full information and photos of all the projects will be available next month, when bookings will open.  Workshops are limited to a maximum of 5 students and will be held in St. Leonards on Sea, East Sussex.  Sessions will run from 10.30am till 5.00pm.  





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