JUST WHEN WE THOUGHT SPRING HAD ARRIVED

Hello everyone

Snowing again, just when I though spring had arrived.  A whole two days of it - wonderful.  Double figure temperatures too.  Back to normal now?

Last week was spent preparing for my pilot card-making workshop - feeling nervous about this.  I am starting with a simple decoupage card, following that with a 'large letters' one and time-permitting a third one with punched flowers.  Can't get out of the habit of ensuring I have stacks of material ready in case there are fast-learners or people attending with existing skills.

I had hoped to have a friend who is a Stampin' Up (SU) demonstrator join Linda and I at the event, but unfortunately he is working.  However, this is just the beginning so fingers crossed plenty of other workshops for the three of us to do.  I have been lucky to find another SU demonstrator who lives 'just down the road' and is free on Thursday evening - I am really pleased as I want to add something extra to the workshop.

The work packs, samples and demo bits are nearly ready, just need to concentrate now on making cards to display, produce the feedback forms and the million and one things I have no doubt forgotten!  Linda will be baking cakes and icing them on the day.

Here is a photograph of one of the cards I have produced to demonstrate - don't want to show too many as some of those attending follow my blog and I want some surprises left for them:

Before I get back to workshop preparation, now is a great time to visit the bloggers taking part in this week's Handmade Monday.  Always great to catch up with what everyone has been doing.

My pottery course has nearly finished for this term and although I have lots of work in progress, here is a photograph of one of my pieces.  It is made of porcelain using a mould (sadly the sides sagged a little when it was fired).  I created the finish by sponging three layers of slip, having first added a template of the leaves.  Finally I used a transparent glaze and it was fired at 1250 degrees.  I am pleased with the finish the sponging has created and the colour is lovely too.  It is odd looking at the picture as it sometimes creates the impression that the dish is inverted.

Back to work now, but a quick cup of coffee first I think.  It has stopped snowing and the sun seems to be trying to shine.  I hope you all have a good week - keep warm.  I will be back next Sunday with an update on how the card-making workshop went and Milly will be here on Wednesday with her diary post.

Jill