21...Sunshine, Jade and a big green pom pom

Jade modelling clay

This week I have been joined by Jade who is doing a degree in 3D design at Brighton Uni. She has come over for a couple of weeks work experience and to learn how to throw. I have one or two students a year and generally speaking it is a good experience for us both. I get to talk to someone else rather than just myself (or shouting at the radio) and if I am lucky they have enough skills to be able to help me move on with my work a little quicker than usual. They get to hone their skills and learn about the reality of working for yourself. They also get one to one throwing tuition which is something that is no longer provided on a general design course...mould making and slip casting has become popular as it initially gets quicker results. Luckily for me as I am in the middle of what needs to be an extremely productive time, Jade has turned out to be a whizz in the studio, tidy and quick to learn.

So, we have been constructing this Giant green pom pom which is a commision piece. The internal shape was thrown last week and dried slightly over the weekend (otherwise it can collapse with the weight of the additional clay).

This is day two and the end is in sight.

The very last petal! Now the whole thing will be wrapped up and left to dry for weeks.

This week the sun came out and we have been eating our lunch outside. I don't think you ever enjoy the sun more than the first time you can sit out in it after the winter....certainly it made us very happy.

 Louis and his tractor

Also this week Louis from the vallage came up to cut down a few of our trees. We have many self seeded ash and wild cherry in our woods, and there is too much competion for space. Consequently the trees all grow straight up and do not have many lateral branches...hopeless if you want to hang a swing! So once a year Louis comes up and fells a few. He chops them into managable size logs, leaves us half and takes half as payment....a perfect system. This year we have a lovely Hornbeam which we want to give space to, so he has been clearing all the small trees around it. Note....no goggles, no chaps, no helmet, nothing.

Find me now over at http://theceramicgardener.com