Round-up of the week

Charlotte — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:46:00 +0000

Although the sun hasn’t been shining as much, it has still been very hot and humid this week. I prefer making things from my workshop in the evening when it’s a bit cooler.

I’m hoping the sun has his hat on again ready for the weekend, I’m going to a friends BBQ tomorrow and some sunshine would be nice. I’m taking along a big bowl of home made potato salad, so I’d better get making that tonight.

I love this photo of me and my Dad’s dog Gnasher in the hammock. Isn’t he cute?

I’m happy with my orders and other things related to my ceramics that have been going on this week. First of all, a lady who purchased two of my ceramic heart paper weights (below) from the craft fair last weekend has contacted me in need of some more. I plan to make loads more as these are popular little purchases at craft fairs.

I’ve had 2 orders for plaques – one heart shape with 2 peoples names engraved, it is going to be a wedding present. And a rectangular plaque with ‘Daddy’s Shed’ engraved – I thought that was a cute idea! These plaques are in progress at the moment.

Have you ever visited the Folksy Blog? There is so much going on over there at the moment, including shop owner interviews, and valuable information for crafters including many craft fair hints and tips. This weeks topic on craft fairs is “How much stock do I need to bring?” – Definitely a good read – Some of my own tips and my craft fair essentials check list is included in the article. I have also been featured on the Folksy blog in a post called an Introduction to Pottery – well worth a read if you are interested!

Thank you to Elissa of Not Just Handbags for featuring my Bark Dish (below) in her Nature themed picks from Folksy on her blog today.

This week I’ve had a page added to the Potter’s Gallery on the Pottery Crafts website, featuring a profile about me and my work, and a large selection of images of my work. Check it out here! There are also some other great potters in the gallery, I especially like the work of Jude Howe.

One of my images displayed in the gallery is of this set of Natural Leaf Coasters.

Other big news is from the craft fair at Castle Ashby last weekend – I was approached by one of the other stall holders, Adam Jordan, one of the current members of the Northamptonshire Guild of Designer Craftsmen. Here’s what the Guild is all about:

“Northamptonshire Guild of Designer Craftsmen has been in existence since 1990, with a membership of around 30 craftsmen and women, making high quality products in wood, metal, plastics, glass, clay and textiles.

The guild aims to encourage the highest standards of craftsmenship and design and encourage interest in, and awareness of crafts.

The guild seeks to bring together individuals, who generally work in isolation, to promote their work collectively. Exhibitions in galleries, provides an opportunity for makers to bring special and innovative pieces to a wider audience. In addition we also set up smaller displays in public venues such as tourist information centres and arts centres to maintain a high public profile for the guild and it’s activities.”

Adam said he thought my work was of a high enough standard to approach the Guild about becoming a member myself. I’m now in the process of organising a date to go and present my work to a jury panel at the Guild. I’m a little nervous, as I’ve never presented my work to a panel before, but I think as soon as I get into it I’ll be fine.

If I am selected to become a member, I will have my own page on the website, the opportunity to exhibit at approx 3 exhibitions per year with other members, and connection to a network of crafts people in the county. It sounds very exciting, I’ll let you know how it goes! The images above are a selection of some of the current members’ work.

I better crack on with that potato salad… What are you up to this weekend?

Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics » pottery crafts

Round-up of the week