Thursday, 14 September 2023

Week 37 2023

 Hello!

The wine harvest is underway.  A challenging year for our winemakers, early cold snaps,rain at random times leading to mildew, and then a too late dry spell.  Many wineries are crossing their fingers and hoping for the best.


Take care on the roads, there are slow moving grape harvesters and tractors with trailers lurking around the corners of our peaceful country lanes.

It's also the Journees du Patrimoine on 16th and 17th  September.  Many historical monuments and museums are open to the public  Have a look here to find out more https://www.journees-du-patrimoine.com

Whatever you do in the Gironde and Dordogne regions, have a good week,
Best wishes,
Helen

Week 37


15 September







16 September








17 September







Coming up...







I'll have my wheel in the square - have a try at throwing a pot!


And finally...

It was deep clean day in the studio.  I'm changing over to a different white earthenware clay, this new one comes from France, whereas the one I have been using is a blend from various counties. I don't want to cross contaminate between the two clays, hence the deep clean.  I'm excited to see how it performs in the varied uses in the studio.  So far tests have been both positive and interesting, so watch this space...

I didn't realise how many different clay tools I had collected over the years.


Thursday, 7 September 2023

week 36 2023

Hello!

It's back to school and it's time to get out and join a club.  Each town and village hold their own 'Association Day' - Forum des Associations - where you can go along and find an activity or club to join. You don't have to live in that town to join that association. Have a look around.  It's a great way to meet new people, learn a new skill, polish up on your French.

I'll be in Sauveterre-de-Guyenne supporting our association, Arts Typiques and talking about all things clay, but also, drawing workshops, sewing, felting, weaving, textile printing and all the other activities we offer from the Maison des Artisans.

Associations are non-profit making groups, they're usually really inexpensive to join and are a great way to integrate into the community.

Whatever you do in the Gironde and Dordogne regions, have a great week,
Best wishes,
Helen

Week 36



8 September




9 September











10 September










Coming up...










And finally...

We've been making piggy banks over the summer - here's just a few of them...