News and workshops

Hi there, just thought I would fill you in on what's happening in our little corner of the world!

2011 was an exciting year for us, we had the most beautiful wee granddaughter born in July, then a fantastic holiday in the UK in August, it's been great teaching all around New Zealand and several parts of Australia AND an automatic garage door opener has been installed! PERFECT!!

I'm planning on winning the tomato growing competition Gordon and I have running at the moment. We inherited the plants from his sister and I've been asking everyone for secret tips, (you would be surprised how knowledgeable I am on them now) there has been a heap of time spent checking out each other's plot!
I'll let you know the results.

Christmas was spent catching up with family and friends, even a surprise visit from Santa on a very hot Christmas Eve which set off some neighborhood jealousy, they didn't believe I had been that good!!

This year is already well booked up with my favorite teaching places.
I'm really excited about a trip to Gisborne in late April; those girls have been turning up to my classes in several places down the island, now it's my turn to go to them.

I know you will all want something different so I'm sneaking down to my studio every spare minute to design for 2012.

'Gorgeous Lola' is my first effort; she lazes on her couch with her very loyal Dalmatian, 'Nelson', at her feet.

Her couch was designed (and made) by my friend Liz - it is fantastic and amazingly clever. Liz is planning on putting out the pattern for you or taking orders for them made up. Will keep you posted and get a picture up as soon as as have one ready.

Once again I must say I love getting photos, it makes my day when I open up my emails and see how you have personalized the designs. There is many a time when I say to Gordon 'wish I had thought of that!' Keep them coming :-)

Check out our Workshop list below and then if you are looking for something a little different check out Jude Deighton's website for some amazing pottery. Cheers, Jill

ps. If you are having a frustrating time turning your fingers etc don't forget we still have our Turning Tools available at $11 plus P&P (for NZ customers). We welcome all our NZ customers to email us direct to purchase Turning Tools, Stuffing Forks, patterns etc in $NZ with convenient payment options.