Blogging about Japan ……..

I said last week that I’d do a blog dairy  of my time in Japan – but I’m  afraid I cant …….because I’m writing an article for Metal Clay Artist Magazine Instead Still – a few more photos wont hurt will they ……

Engakuji Temple and soggy sight seers

The Great Buddha of Kamakura

This bronze statue of Amida Buddha stands on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. Its 13.35 meters tall and is the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan! Since 1495, the Buddha has been standing in the open air.

A Couple in traditional dress looking at their photos

Read Full Post »

Scottish Bead Fair –

Well, what a day!! I’m not long back from the latest Scottish Bead Fair – and it was surely the best and busiest yet!! Thankfully I could take refuge behind the Little Bead Shops Stall as I prepared my things for my Precious Metal Clay Demo! It was another busy one with around 100 people watching me demonstrate working with the clay and talk about the do’s and dont’s. It was great to catch up with old friends – Dawn Cotton-Fuge (Bead Fair Organiser and owner of Precious Sparkle Beads) Mindy MacGregor – the talent behind Moogin beads, Min Fidler – the talent behind Apple Green Machine, Martin and Terresa of Tuffnells Glass, Andrew from Buffys beads….. and many more!! Thanks to everyone who took time out of the Fair to watch my Demo – if you were there today I hope you found it helpful!! And thanks to everyone of the customers who stopped by the stall For those who were after my own lampwork Beads I promise to get some ready for next time!!!

Zoe, Deanne, Gil & Helen – The Little Bead Shop Girls!

Zoe

Read Full Post »

Scottish Bead Fair & Japan!!

Well, I think its taken me a week to feel human again and catch up with life simply being at home!! My trip to Japan now, alas, seems a long time ago!!

BUT rather than bore you all to death with a massive long post about the trip I thought I’d break it down day by day = the first few of which were spent in the Factory and Aida Studios!! So if you have always wondered where Art CLay Silver comes from, come back on Monday when I’ll post pictures and tell you about the factory tour! On Tuesday I’ll tell you about our Master Class…… each day of next week will correlate to the day we had in Japan almost two weeks ago! Make sense? Here are a couple of pics meanwhile..

I’m having a nice day today preparing for our Scottish Bead Fair tomorrow. I’ll be there doing a precious metal clay demo – if you are coming please stop by and say hello. We will be taking along info about all our new courses at The Little Bead Shop/Art Clay Scotland.…… some are bound to book up fast – like our Sunday full day beginners class – so if you are hoping for a space try to look for us early in the day!! You can also book onto the fantastic courses with Hattie Sanderson and Gordon Uyehara tomorrow too!!! They are booking up fast so dont miss out!!

Expect pics of the fair tomorrow!

Read Full Post »