It's started....

I cannot believe how busy I have been!

Before I start wittering on about the new studio, I have some photos from one of the recent mosaic for beginners for children.

We had a lovely day and everyone made a gorgeous mirror!

I would like to ask that you follow this link and vote for young Fiona Beeston.  A lovely young lady with a beautiful voice.  Here is the link: http://stokestoptalent.com/ please make sure you click on 'Fiona Beeston'.

So this is really the last session here at Adelphi Mill :-(

The GOOD news is that The Creative Space Studio is moving to Clarence Mill! A slightly bigger but better set out, the new studio is directly overlooking the canal and next to the very gorgeous Cafe Waterside.

I have LOTS of new ideas for courses, particularly the mosaic jewellery ones - you can also stock up on your Christmas pressies!

Ok - the sun is streaming through the studio window so I'm going to make a last mosaic in here before I start packing.

TTFN!

Saturday Morning Mosaic Heaven

What more can I ask - lovely weather, lovely people and gorgeous mosaics. Proving to be popular, my mosaic mirror introductory workshop is certain to be a mainstay of my provision. Looking forward to welcoming some new members to my wonderful regulars!

MOSAIC MADNESS AND CHICK PEA SALAD!

It was such a beautiful day today - I moved the tables nearer the window (duh - why didn't I think of it earlier!) and working without the lights made it a little cooler.

We had a good laugh (as per!) and the girls were so disappointed that I said I wasn't making soup. It was so hot I couldn't BEAR the thought of the slow cooker on in the studio.

They soon cheered up when I said I was making a salad, recipe at the end of the photo.

I am so proud of ALL my ladies! Bridget, Sue, Georgina, Janet (and now Kathryn).

There are some lovely individual projects going on - I want to make what they're making.

There are a handful of places left on our Wednesday morning (and Monday evening!)  workshops. At just £15 plus materials a session, you will agree this is fabulous value for a fun and creative filled morning! 

Although lunch is not provided as part of the course, I usually provide home made soup. Well, I have to eat and it is so much nicer sharing with friends!

TIP OF THE DAY!

Usually I say save all your mosaics up for a 'batch' grout but in hot weather such as this, make smaller batches of grout as it will 'go off' quicker in the heat.  Particularly if you are working on a complex mosaic which requires plenty of attention.

If you find you have some grout left and it is unworkable, add enough water to enable you to shape it into something to work on a future project.

Debbie Mosaic Salad:


You will need:


1/3 iceberg lettuce
1/2 red pepper
1/2 red onion
1/3 cucumber
1 x apple
1 tin chick peas, drained
150g mature cheddar
2 tablespoons low fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons natural yoghurt
chili and garlic flakes
black ground peppercorns


Wash and tear the lettuce. Split into 5 bowls.
Peel the onion, discard pepper seeds and apple core, wash and chop all with cucumber.
Cut the cheese into  tiny cubes.
Place into a large bowl and add remaining ingredients. Stir well and distribute between the bowls.
Serve with gorgeous fresh bread!


Yuum!

Mosaic Addicts...

After such a productive day on Saturday, Kathryn came back to the studio this evening during our regular Monday Mosaic class, to grout her masterpiece.  I love it when students can share ideas and creative tips with each other.

Here is Bridget showing Kathryn her beautiful smalti and sea-glass mosaic in progress.

Kathryn's finished mosaics - really great for a first attempt! Well done!

Bridget and I were impressed with Kathryn's mosaic. It really is gorgeous.  Then we got to talking about how many different things Bridget had produced during her time at the studio: coaster, placemat, garden 'rock' butterfly', mirror, plant pot, bedside table, children's bedroom wall plaque and now a beautiful seaside themed picture.  PHEW!

And here's a little mosaic I designed for that perfect wedding gift.

For details on ordering a bespoke mosaic or to enquire/book on a course, please call Debbie on 01625 574 005 or email me on info@thecreativespacestudio.com.

Maker's Day Macclesfield - BRILLIANT

Maker's Day at The Heritage Centre, Macclesfield!

I managed to complete the White Nancy Mosaic for donation to the Bollington Arts Festival (will be exhibited at BAC and will be on sale)

I cannot tell you how many lovely people I got to speak with and share some mosaic making with.

I will certainly take more mosaic designs for children next time. I felt like the honey and they were the bees - it was a buzzy buzzy WONDERFUL day!

Ha ha - even I got photographed today!  That sun was deliciously warm on my back.  Lots of smiles all around!

Some fabulous ideas by the Little Creatives today...

a prince and princess mosaic!

This was great! His first go at mosaic and he designed his own pocket monster - brilliant.

I loved explaining my new mosaic to the visitors - the Bombyx Mori Angel

Some millefiori going on for the hair.

Couldn't you just bottle this lady's smile! Gorgeous!

My youngest mosaicist yet - needed just a little support but she did incredibly well!

Was so sad it finished. Really looking forward to the next one. Met some lovely people, visitors and other crafters!  Well done and thank you 'Janes' for all your hard work!

Don't forget - I offer courses for adults and children at my studio.  Call now for details: 01625 574 005 or send me an email.

Life Drawing at Adelphi Mill

Phew - you wouldn't believe how full this room was of tables and broken glass between the recycled bunting making at The Bridgend Centre this afternoon then my life drawing class!

Thank Goodness for hoovers!

Hannah is a fabulous model - she produces some lovely poses.

A VERY challenging pose but this beginner's group did very well. Our new student was really thrown in at the deep end but I was very impressed with the confident marks he made.

Our informal life studies class will continue throughout the year.  £45 for three weeks with £5 payable to the model when we have one (1 or 2 times per three weeks, negotiable with the group).

Tuesdays 7pm - 9pm. 

Booking essential.

Next session there will be no model but I have booked a male model for 15th and 22nd May.

Painting and Drawing Course

I am so proud of my ladies!  We had such a chilled out session and we are planning a

trip to the Lucian Freud Exhibition!

Mosaic Club!

What a busy day!

8:15 - veggies washed and chopped ready for the slow cooker...

Easels away at the top end to make room for the mosaic class...

Mosaic for St Michael's Church in the middle of the room...

9:30 - students' table, ready and waiting...

Straight in there! Well done for finishing your first mosaic project, Janet - I know it looks like you've just covered it up but wait until you have finished the grouting...

...see, you can see some of your lovely mosaic now...

...getting there...

...finished! Gorgeous!

Another beautiful mosaic, Georgina - please bring it back next week grouted so we can see!

Ah, class over, time for soup! Recipe at the bottom.

Hm - think I ought to stop breaking pretty dishes to use in mosaics.

The soup was another winner today. It was pretty good, I must admit. Here's the recipe:

1/2  x butternut squash

1 x onion

 1 x courgette

2 x sticks celery

1 x sweet potato

herbs de provence

chili and garlic flakes

fresh ginger (lazy ginger is good or powdered if not)

2 x bay leaves

Stock

2 x tablespoons smooth peanut butter

1 x cup small pasta shapes

Wash and chop the vegetables. Cover with vegetable stock and add herbs and seasoning. 

Either bring to the boil or put on high in slow cooker for  3 hours, add the peanut butter and whisk up - I like to leave some chunky bits in but the peanut butter makes it thick and creamy! Add the pasta and serve when cooked.

We all really enjoyed this soup!

Why not come and join us - for just £15 a session, it's a great way to spend a Wednesday morning.