Who said retirement would be to much time to waste !!

I took early retirement a couple of years ago, thinking I would have all the time in the world........not so.....my ceramics is busier than ever, even though I have cut out some shows, my lampwork is also doing quite well, the garden needs attending to, then there is the housework and I must get at least a swim in each week. Our poor dog sulks when he has to wait for his walk.

I have been busy with my ceramics over the past couple of weeks. Thses items are ready to be wrapped and put into the box.

My sister in law comes over one day a week and helps, trying to organise me, which at my age is impossible......
I have also been doing some large holed and capped beads. Really loving the lampwork, but have to consintrate on the ceramics or I will have nothing for the shows.
I am also in the middle of re doing my websites, so please be patient as it is taking longer than I thought.

Big Hole beads and Cabochones

I hope you all had a lovely Easter and enjoyed the lovely weather. I had a few days in Brixham and it was so relaxing.Even Lacey was so chilled out.

However it is now back to the studio getting ready for the May Bank Holiday show at Sherborne Dorset, with my ceramics.
I have also posted some silver cored beads and cabochones on ebay 110682316918 do have a look, you may see something you like.

Maybe post tomorrow if I have a good day in the studio and anything to show you.

That's today Sorted

Realising that I have a show in 4 weeks and need stock. I am head down today, well after breakfast.Paints at the ready, patterns on dishes and off we go......

Fishcombe Cove

What a beautiful Easter, weather sunny and Brixham was lovely as usual. Nice people, brilliant scenery and super food and drink.
Fishcombe Cove is such a lovely secluded shingle beach with the cliffs falling down into the waters below. Look into the rock pools and see the seaweed, shells murinni and maybe an odd jelly fish. I have captured this in a glass pendant, finished off with Sterling Silver findings.

More pictures on my Flicker, it is difficult to capture this stunning pendent in a photo.
It has been made so you can see through the water and has gold flakes and silver glass giving it the mirror look, when the sun shines in the water. If you are ever in Brixham, go and visit Fishcombe Cove it is truly lovely.

Artisan Lampwork Beads and Tubelined Ceramics.

As you see I have added my other site to this one, so I will also be putting updates with my ceramic creations combined onto this blog.
I have been making and selling ceramics for over 15 years now and my main ceramic designes are tube lining. I also write projects for Mayco to put in there community section, to help others with ceramics. My ceramics can be bought at Fairs that I attend or by emailing me.

I also love doing hand building work with clay.

The above platter is 16" round and was made for a wedding present.
I hope to add projects and ideas to the blog in the near future.
So here begins a new partnership for Avalon Designes, both Glass meets ceramics.
Also the odd update on my garden birds.

Cabs, Silver and Birds

As a update for those waiting for the Ringneck dove to hatch. Well she lost one egg which fell out of the nest and then the other one fell out, but I managed to save it on Monday and returned it to the nest. Mother sat on it and it hatched yesterday 6th April.

Then this morning, the nest was wrecked and the baby gone. Something had attacked the nest overnight....but what?

I have spent a day learning how to do silverwork, with the talented George Harper - East in Cirencester. I made some glass cabachons, which I took with me to have them set in silver.

I chose two from this group and this is what I made, with lots of help from George.

I then went onto The Falkland Arms at Great Tew, Chipping Norton, where my son Richard and Kate his partner are landlady and landlord.

 Not forgetting  Jazz their dog, who just keeps an eye on things.It is a Beautiful place like something off a chocolate box and I can recommend the accomodation and food.

 So I have had a lovely couple of days, now home to get busy in the studio.

The Birds and Bees

Well looks like the pair of Ring Neck doves have found a place under our porch, in the honeysuckle to have their family.

They are very good parents, taking it in turn to keep the eggs warm.