An exciting evening class, exploring hand building clay techniques to produce a range of objects inspired by natural forms. We will use a number of techniques including slab building, coils and pinch pots. We will be drawing inspiration from contemporary makers practice to try different approaches out. We will be using a range of clays, including porcelain.

This course is open to anyone, whatever your ability and experience with clay before and can be tailored to your level of skill and enthusiasm. You can either have a specific project which will allow you to produce finished objects or decide on your own goals. A relaxed atmosphere with lots of tea and biscuits.

All you need of basic materials are provided, and kiln firings are included.

Cost £160

For further information please e-mail jenny on jennypope2002@yahoo.co.uk.

4 week block of Organic Ceramic Evening Classes with Jenny Pope
TUESDAYS – 31^st Jan  to 21^st Feb   Time – 6 -30pm to 9pm,
OR TUESDAYS – 28^th Feb  to 20^th March    time 630pm to 9pm

Come and spend 4 evenings making simple ceramic objects with stoneware clay and porcelain. You could make tiles for coasters, small slab vases or dishes. Everything easy to make and decorate with printed designs and textures, no previous experience required. Small group, relaxed atmosphere, a time for you at chilly time of the year and a great way to produce artwork unique to you.

Cost  – £80 for block of 4
For further information please e-mail jenny on jennypope2002@yahoo.co.uk.

WEEKEND CLASSES 2012
Ceramics for Gardens  – 3^rd, 17^th and 24^th March
A new course aimed at people interested in making ceramics for their gardens

Using hand techniques include slab building, coils and pinch pots you will be able to design and make functional and sculptural objects. We will use frost proof clay and a range of decorating options, including bright glazes.

Instruction will be provided on basic making techniques and idea development. You could come with some of your own ideas or I will provide some guidance on small projects. This course is open to anyone, whatever your ability and experience with clay before. A small group will ensure a relaxed and informative class.

Tea and coffees provided, please bring your own lunch.

All you need of basic materials are provided, and kiln firings are included in the cost. . Larger pieces may incur a small additional cost

2 whole Saturdays to make objects 10 to 5pm each day then one half day Saturday to glaze, 10 to 1pm
dates Sat 3^rd March – 10am to 5pm
Sat 17^th March 10am to 5pm
and  24^th April 10am to 1pm
total cost £190
For further information please e-mail jenny on jennypope2002@yahoo.co.uk.

This period of study has inspired her to share the experience with her students. In September 1011 she will be giving a week-long residential course for students to design and fabricate a suitcase sized mosaic focussing on the use of colour, pattern and visual texture developed in response to the delightful rural landscape of Le Marche. Students will be able to create an interior or exterior panel or small table top using unglazed ceramic mosaic.

The course includes additional cultural activities such as, a day in Ravenna, a tasting session at a local wine and olive oil producer and dinner at a local San Costanzo restaurant that is part of the Slow Food movement. The course will be run from the home of a Scottish textile designer Alison and her husband Pino. www.alisonscott.eu

The course will run from 2nd – 9th June 2012 and costs £875. For further information and bookings please contact Joanna direct: joanna@joannakessel.co.uk / 07974 810 621 / www.joannakessel.co.uk

Introduction To Weaving

This course will focus on weaving an individual and wearable scarf. You will be led through the warping process, with yarn types being discussed before warping begins. A warping mill will be used to prep your warp, then instructions given on how to dress a 4-shaft Ashford table loom.

Once the loom has been dressed you will begin to explore simple weave structures through pre prepared worksheets such as tabby and twill patterns before embarking on your own finished scarf, all with the help and guidance of your tutor James Donald. Due to the nature of the equipment being used you will be able to take away the loom to work in your own time on your unfinished woven piece, knowing that you will leave the weekend with the confidence that you have mastered the basics of weaving.

Students will leave the weekend course with an understanding of cloth construction with a hand woven scarf which will be unique to your own specifications.

If you have a basic knowledge of the weaving process already James will be happy to talk you through an intermediate or indeed an advanced weave workshop specifically tailored to your needs.

Perimeter - Joy Arden

She also has two paintings on show at the RSA Open 2011  (12 November – 18 December 2011)

ALSO an etching is on show at the Edinburgh Printmakers’ Winter exhibition: Hidden City: Edinburgh Uncovered (12 November to 23 December 2011)

IRENE BLAIR AND SUSIE GOODWIN

FRIDAY 4th NOVEMBER  to  WENESDAY  16th NOVEMBER 2011

12noon – 6 pm  daily   except Mondays 7th and 14th November

IRENE BLAIR
The marks I make in my abstract paintings have been influenced by German expressionists and collage artists in the 20th century but recently a figurative aspect has emerged after travelling in Poland and Berlin. I use recycled materials to create installations that are complementary to my paintings.

SUSIE GOODWIN
My works revisit a long neglected spirit of place, situated at the interface of nurtured and wild nature; elemental raw materials interweave with interventions of intricate drawing; in paintings, prints and artists books.

Make you wedding rings at Coburg House

Donna Barry and Hannah Louise Lamb (Studio 44)

There is nothing more romantic than making each other’s wedding rings.

Come to the beautiful city of Edinburgh for an unforgettable experience with award winning jewellers Donna Barry and Hannah Louise Lamb. You will be guided and assisted through every step of the process in a fully equipped professional jewellery workshop, which you have exclusive use of for the day. You will leave with unique, one-off wedding rings to cherish forever.

Visit Donna and Hannah’s website to make a booking www.makeweddingrings.co.uk

Catherine Aitken (Studio 31)

Do you have a passion for handbags and a love of creating beautiful things? Why not spend the day under the expert tutelage of handbag designer maker Catherine Aitken and indulge both of your passions in one day? Under Catherine’s guidance you will learn the secrets of creating a strong and stylish design and leave with an unique designer handbag over your arm. You just need very basic sewing skills as Catherine will be with you through the whole process offering the right advice, guidance and help that will suit your level of ability. You can create something for yourself, or you can create a handbag or manbag as a present for someone else. You choose from four different designs with the opportunity to customise to your own size and specifications, creating a designer handbag that’s entirely unique to you.

The costs for an exclusive day in the studio from 10am until 4.30pm with one to one tutoring from Catherine is £250. This includes everything you will need: linings; interfacings; handles, straps etc., apart from the main material of your handbag or manbag which you can either bring with you or can be purchased at cost from a selection of tweeds and linens in the studio.

For more information and to book your day and discuss the detail of the design and material you would like to choose please visit www.makeyourownhandbag.blogspot.com

The private view takes place on Friday 13 May, 6 – 8pm and the exhibition runs from 14 May until 11 June