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April Update

Welcome

April sees me turning up the wick on the events calender and kicks off with the first of the selling exhibitions for the Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft. ‘Showing Off’, 28th April, Beacon Room, Ludlow castle, 10am to 5pm. Or follow the Guild’s facebook page for the latest news, list of exhibitors, etc.
In fact, as is the way of things at this time of year, most of my events calender is in place now – just a few to confirm. And in case you read last months post – I will not be at Malvern Spring Gardening Show this year after all, something had to give in my schedule!

In May I’ll be preparing for an inspiring new exhibition ‘Out Of The Hills’ curated by Maggie and Tim Davis at Aardvark Books, Brampton Bryan, which starts on June 2nd for 2 weeks. And I’ll be in some excellent company too.
If you’ve not visited Aardvark before then you are in for a treat; its a proper bookshop. Two levels packed floor to ceiling with old and new, unusual and varied titles, a wonderful space for children to play and read and incorporating a cafe serving speciality teas, coffees, homemade cakes & light lunches. They encourage you to relax and browse and really, what better way to unwind?
If you are quick there is an amazing sculptural exhibition featuring the works of Paul Caton and Paul Bearman until 15th April.
I’m very excited about being at Aardvark and will be back again later in the year.

Just before Easter I dropped a few pieces of glass off at The Willow Gallery in Oswestry, a delightful gallery and art cafe in the town centre, complimenting my almost permanent presence at The Trumpet Corner Gallery & Tearooms near Ledbury.

Instagram Changes
I’ve just split my instagram page in two – and it didn’t hurt at all, honest!

@FusingIdeas (the original page) is for now for my own glass and other glass plus art, craft, exhibition or otherwise – images that catch my eye.
And (new) @FusingIdeasWorkshops is now solely for work by my lovely, creative students. Often, some of the first words students say to me are “I’m not creative”. Well, as you can see, that could not be further from the truth!

Everyone has an inner creative just waiting to be unleashed and what better way than a crafty workshop?
I have a comprehensive list of workshop dates for beginners and intermediates (further fusers) through to August.
What isn’t included in that list is, of course, dates for bespoke workshops, which Fusing Ideas, as a small studio, can offer for groups of as few as 2 or 3 people. So if you fancy coming along with a ‘buddy’ perhaps for a mid week break (stay over locally) I will tailor a workshop to fit. Some weekends are also available. Alternatively, you can always have a workshop all to yourself – one to one – just contact me.

Take care

At last! 2018 workshop dates and more.

Hi,

I’ve just added a pretty full schedule of workshop dates to take us up to August. Tasters, Beginner’s day workshops and Further Fusing half or full day workshops. At last do I hear you cry? Shop here

Plus the option of longer workshops for 2 days up to 5 days, from August onwards, tailor-made for 2 or 3 people. You’ll find more information on this page.

The first exhibition of the year with the Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft is only 7 weeks away – a new date April 28th and the elegant architecture of the Beacon Room at Ludlow Castle as a back drop.
Followed just 2 weeks later by the RHS Spring Gardening Show at Malvern, you’ll find me with The Worcestershire Guild of Contemporary Craft for that one.

More to come on these events as we get a little closer.

Stay fabulous

Welcome to my World

Hi there,

If you’ve not visited before, then a huge welcome to Fusing Ideas Glass. And if you have been before then, welcome back, its nice to see you, I hope you’ll find something of new interest.

I was reading an interesting article the other day – and if you are an artist or crafter you might well relate – about being a technique junkie. That is, constantly learning new techniques around your given media. The article was very timely and re-inforced a conclusion I was already coming to. You can be a Jack (or in my case Jill) of all trades, but you will be a master of none if you continue to take on new techniques without really exploring, practicing and experimenting with one or two you already know, use or like.

The article also suggested – and I’ve heard this before – that true creativity is born out of limiting techniques &, or, resources!

I really love the ‘tapestry’ technique that I learned from the master Richard Parrish, in fact I love his work full stop! Tapestry is fairly challenging and requires some patience and I have lots of ideas, and a list of ‘what ifs’ to try, both with raw sheets and with finished pieces; colours & styles.
So, while I will continue to play with pattern and colour in glass generally, the thread that will run through my work in the near future will be ‘tapestry’ and trust some really worthy pieces are made along the way.
Can’t wait to see what happens when you deep slump a tapestry piece!

Other exciting news is the development of longer glass workshops:
From weekends to a full week, for very small groups – 3 maximum and perfect for just 2.
Cosy and convenient B&B can be offered in our delightful village, less than 500 metres walk away too, so you could make a creative break of it. Or stay an extra day or so and explore Shropshire; from the meres in the north, to the hills in the south and historical towns like Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Ironbridge, we’ve got it covered.

Workshop Gift Vouchers:
A thoughtful sharing Valentine’s Day gift for a Crafty Couple!
Absolutely fabulous thank you for your hard working Mum. Note; Mother’s Day is 11th March.
First come, first served can book Mother’s Day, Sunday March 11th, at no extra cost for 2 or 3 people (4 at a squeeze).

Take care

Happy New Year!

Hi there,

I know, I know it seems ages ago! But hey, I realised I hadn’t actually sent you all a message, so

On my wish list for all of us:

Good health
Happiness
Peace
Abundance
Contentment
Fulfilment
Prosperity

I reckon if we can tick most of those we should be okay, what do you think?

Here, at Fusing Ideas, we are up and running with glass workshops – 2 already and more in the pipeline. I find that most people prefer to book a date direct with me – rather than the dates offered here – so if you fancy some time getting creative with glass, just drop me an email or give me a call!

Absolutely perfect Mother’s Day gift and, of course, you can come too! Book a date or purchase a gift voucher.
First come, first served can book Mother’s Day, Sunday March 11th, at no extra cost for 2 or 3 people (4 at a squeeze).

Works for a creative Valentine celebration too!

Lots of website updates (news/product/images/sections/workshops/etc) planned for this year, so that’s all for now!
Just wishing you the best

A Very Merry Christmas

Hi folks,

and finally…….

last post of 2018 is for me, Adam (my web admin and techy guy) Kaz (head of security) and not forgetting Rudi & Santa, to wish you and your loved ones an absolutely fabulous Christmas and a peaceful and plentiful 2018.

See you in the New Year!

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