Wonderful Weekend In Wales
Not everything ran smoothly in the run up to the Friendly Plastic jewellery making weekend at Caernarfon castle, but everything turned out really well in the end. We had a couple of last minute cancellations due to distressing personal situations, and my heart goes out to both of you who found yourselves in that situation. However, old friends joined us and we filled the room in the Kings Gate tower with activity, laughter, friendship and wonderful creativity.
Gail and Wendy came, like me from Nottingham, Kay from Essex Charlene from London, and others from Up North. For some it was a 6 hour car journey, but the result was an enthusiastic and friendly group that was a real pleasure to spend a weekend with. Huge thanks to Wendy and Next for pitching in to sort the lunches out, you were my lifesavers.
As I managed to forget my camera (doh!) I am reliant on everyone else uploading the images of their work, and so far the majority have fallen short here!! However, here are the few pictures I do have
Kate Gatti’s lovely pieces using bezel, moulds and hand rolling techniques.
Kate’s medieval inspired pendant necklace created on a base of Cloud Clay. This was the introductory project to get us into the mood of the period of the castle. We made circles of Cloud Clay, let them dry, and covered them with Friendly Plastic which we then textured, and added Jewels to. Kate managed to make hers up into a necklace complete with beaded chain.
Part 2 of this post will have to wait until there are some more photos to show you, but in the meantime, I will just say that we all had a fantastic time, and we are looking for a more central venue with easy access for next year. We are considering all possibilities, but we do need a venue with water, flat access, and accommodation on site or close by. Ideally it should be in a nice location that everyone would be happy to spend some time in – we have quite a few husbands who like to come along and they need things around to explore. If you know of suitable venues please do let me know. However, I am currently on holiday (recovering – only kidding) so I may not pick up your suggestions for a bit.
Enough blogging, I am off to explore……
Glad it all went smoothly in the end Liz and commiserations to those who couldn’t take up their places in the group. I love Kate’s pieces and look forward to seeing more later. I admire people’s stamina booking a workshop at the end of a 6 hour drive – I am such a wimp! Enjoy your holiday and get plenty of relaxation in.
These are stunning!
Hello Liz, Thanks so much for sharing your good experience from your course with us- I recognize the good “Friendly Plastic” creative energy. It is so fun what that material gives to all of us touching it!
Venues, I know of some in Denmark- how about coming over here?
Oh I hope you come nearer to the Craft Barn, I would love to join in, but where you are with my M.E I just couldn’t manage, I would be asleep in my F.P. Lovely work girls well done.
Oooh a more central location, now that would be fantastic.
i have to admit, after hearing all about last years from Neet I really really wanted to go this year, but when I googled and found out how far it was, it just wasn’t going to happen, me and directions are never the best of friends and to have to drive for over 4 hours, well, it was a no go from the start unfortunately.
How about looking at a premier inn or a travel inn which hires a function room. Somewhere set back a bit out of a town but not too far that the men can go and find something to do.
Look forward to seeing what you come up with.
Sam xxx
Just a thought – Have you considered running 2 separate weekends, say, one in September and on in October, with one in the south of the country and then one in the north so to speak to try and accommodate everyone and then people wouldn’t have so far to travel.
Thanks for the ideas everyone. Not sure about 2 weekends though, but anything is possible. When I am back from my holidays I will catch up with Kate and Kay and see what they have come up with too.