A bit of fun!

I was busy making up some samples today when my youngest daughter wandered in and asked if she could join in.  I figured she could use a shape I'd decided not to use and so she was let loose on the dolphin!  A few minutes later the 6 year old came in and decided she'd like to decorate the anchor.  Then, together, they created a pretty little star and embellished it further with some colourful beads left over from a jewellery-making session yesterday.  Daisy (the 6 year old) declared today to be one of the best days of her life (she had a birthday party to go to later in the day too) and wished that every day could be as good.  Who'd have thought sticking bits of wood and shells to some MDF could be so much fun and keep the little ones quiet for over an hour!  What clever little girls!



The Shape of Things to Come?

I've run a few workshops now and it very soon became apparent that some of the participants would like to make something similar to the mirrors but not necessarily the same!  Something that would marry nicely with the mirror and carry on the Driftwood theme.  With this in mind I have commissioned a few 'shapes' which I will adorn with driftwood and shells and whatever else I may have to hand.  These 'shapes' will form a new arm of Driftwood and Debris and hopefully generate new and further business for my workshops and the odd craft fair/event as the year draws on.  Thus far, I have put together a pretty little driftwood heart (pictures below) - this should be relatively easy to re-create in a workshop environment and have a universal appeal.  Other creations to follow soon!
 

Driftwood Heart adorned with Oyster, Razor and Cockle Shells

 

Dridtwood Heart (Back)



Driftwood Heart (Front)





Whatever the Weather

Ready, steady...

I had a real panic on this week, fearing I would be seriously low on supplies following a large workshop on the 9th.  I had visions of racing down to the coast and perhaps getting frozen to the driftwood I needed to collect.  Then getting back home in my little flowery car (pictures to follow - once the car is clean) through the inevitable ice and snow that was destined to hamper my journey at every turn.  Naturally, I would need a rug, flask of hot coffee, sandwiches, fully charged mobile phone, a pen and paper on which to write my final freezing thoughts and my dog (who would probably eat me if I were to fall asleep before she did!)...since I am writing my BLOG on this chilly winter's night in front of a lovely warm wood burning stove it is fair to deduce the potentially treacherous journey wasn't necessary!

...and off we go!

Blank frames and wood

A finished frame!

Thursday, it transpired, was a great day and I had more than enough materials for the charming group of people who attended the workshop.  The atmosphere was relaxed and informal, lot's of chit-chat, lot's of laughter and lot's of concentration to boot.  The mirrors all looked amazing and everyone seemed surprised and delighted with their creations - a very creative morning was had by all.  Once again, I came away from the workshop with a happy heart.  The participants really did seem to get a kick out of tackling something different.  Just touching the materials sparked distant memories and the stories and facts came flooding into the conversation thick and fast.  These workshops are so much more than just creating a little work of art...

A selection of completed frames from my very talented group!

The Legend of The Moonrakers

I would like to share a story with you that one of the ladies in my workshop shared with me last week.  We were busy putting a mirror together when there was a commotion on the TV behind us.  An old movie called 'The Moonrakers' was playing and some sort of confrontation was occuring between the goodies and baddies.  'Oh dear', said I, 'not very friendly!'.  'That's a film about us,' said the twinkly-eyed lady in front of me, 'we're Moonrakers, us Wiltshire folk.'.  I asked her to elucidate which she was more than happy to do.  Back in the day (17th or 18th century) it is said that some Wiltshire smugglers were alerted to an approaching Excise man (revenue agent) on a clear and bright moonlit night. In order to assuage suspicion the smugglers dumped their contraband (usually barrels or kegs of French brandy) into a nearby pond. Once the Excise man had passed by they began to fish out the barrels with hay rakes. However, the Excise man had doubled back and seen them and so questioned their activity. They answered that it was surely obvious, they were raking out the gigantic white cheese they could see in the water. The Excise man laughed at them for being stupid and 'simple' country yokels and rode off. The "moonrakers" left off raking the moon, laughed at the Excise man's smug naivety and continued to recover their kegs.

Whether or not the story is true we may never know.  There is, apparently, little evidence to support it but that doesn't make it any less charming.  It is set in Wiltshire folklore and that, to me, is special. 

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart!

Nearly done!



What shall we put where?

I'm enjoying a nice relaxing birthday today (age?...irrelevant!) following Driftwood and Debris' first workshop of 2012 yesterday.  I was initially rather nervous since the group I was 'guiding' were people a generation or two above me.  Kids, I can handle, but my experience with this age group is somewhat limited.  I took a deep breath and strode in all smiles and mock-confidence.  I don't know what I was worried about, the participants were really lovely and soon completely enthralled with the process of creating their own unique driftwood and shell mirrors.  The mood was relaxed and friendly and it was lovely to see the smiles and twinkling eyes as people sat back and admired their creations.  I think I'm going to enjoy these workshops as much as those taking part  - it's a real pleasure seeing the delight and fascination in the eyes of those taking part (heartwarming, you might say) and then a cheery 'thank you!' at the end makes for a very satisfying afternoon.  

 

Can I have a Doggy-Bag Please?

You don't always need to go to the beach to pick up some lovely shells!  Last night I was treated to my favourite meal as a precursor to my up-coming birthday.  You probably wont be surprised to learn that it is Fruits de Mer!  My mouth is watering at the thought of all the lovely seafood; lobster, prawns (big and small), mussels, cockles, crab, oysters and the most delightful and delicious scallops, homemade pumpkin-seed bread and fresh green salad.  The meal was topped off with a lovely Sancerre and the stimulating company of my husband.  I didn't want the evening to end.  As a memento I asked the waitress to save the shells from the meal in a doggy-bag, which she duly did, so that I could take them home and use them for my driftwood creations.  So, in the cold light of day, I have scrubbed and cleaned up the rather fishy-smelling shells and am pleased as punch with the results.  The oyster shells are simply beautiful - subtle lilac hues,with cream, white and grey tones mixed in with pinks and blues (I hope my photo conveys the gorgeousness and texture that make these beauties).  The scallop shells are great showy pieces and the cockle shells patterned with rich yellows and browns, while the mussels are characteristically whale blue in colour on the outside but a translucent white inside.  With less than 24 hours until my first workshop of 2012 I am well and truly fired up and raring to go - here's hoping it all goes swimmingly!

Oyster shell close up



Marvellous Mussel shell



Scallop and Oyster on enamelled tin plate



Tick Tock, Tick Tock!

Yes, the clock is ticking.  It is just seven days until my first workshop of 2012 and I have been busy making lists and then re-making lists so that nothing is missed and the workshops run nice and smoothly.  I have designed a simple label for the back of the mirror frame and even pre-drilled the screw holes so the D-ring is nice and easy to fit once the mirror is completed.  This meant I got to enter the sanctity of my husband's tool shed and was let loose on the drill.  I am pleased to say it was a breeze and I have survived injury free!