Nostell Priory

A Mix Of Business And Pleasure

Quite a busy weekend this weekend, unfortunately the weather had changed.

On Saturday I had to go to Otley to pick up some bits I had bought so we decided to make a day of it

A trip in to Wakefield to start the day. This was my first visit and its quite a nice little place.

We decided to make the most of our National Trust cards this year so Nostell Priory was the next stop.

Built in 1733 for the Winn family and designed by architect Robert Adams.

Heather wanted to see the Chippendale pieces and the John Harrison Clock Display.

I have driven past here so many times but didn't realise what a lovely place it is.

Sorry no pictures of the house for some reason

The ever changing weather means we always have our rain coats with us.

The persistent rain didn't stop us enjoying our hot chocolate and cake.

Thanks for looking

John & Heather xx

Powertex Homage To The " Caribbean "

Calypso The Call Of The Siren 

Its been awhile since I blogged anything crafty on here. 

So here goes I recently got a commission this was on the back of one of my sample pieces 

The piece they saw was the one on the right which I call the pirates potion bottle

Recently a lady saw it and asked me to make her one, she also wanted a female counterpart

On talking it came out that she is a big Pirates of the Caribbean fan.

It made sense then to do a Calypso/Siren homage.

Here is the work in progress. 

I will post when its finished if anybody would like to do it has a workshop, you know where I am.

Hope you like it 

Thanks for looking

John & Heather xx

Almost A Year

Not Long Now

I can't believe its almost a year since we got married 

Here are a couple of snaps from our honeymoon 

We were lucky enough to cruise The Mosel and The Rhine rivers and see some stunning places

Lots of castles and finally on our trip to Holland some fantastic working vintage windmills.

I was really impressed with the parts of Germany that I saw.

A lovely clean place.

Thanks for looking 

John & Heather xx

Out And About:- The Classic Scene

Ashover Classic Car Show

We decided to have a break from the National Trust this week and check out a Classic car show.

Two reasons for this, one we both love classic cars and two there was an auto jumble as well.

We are still on the look out for pieces for our own pet project that is "Priscilla"

Hopefully we will be able to share her story with you soon.

This cool Bedford J2 coach was the pick of the bunch for me.

She was used to ferry about the staff of The Queen Mothers household.

Some more amazing classics

Check out the paint on that pick-up.

Thanks for looking 

John & Heather xx

Steampunk Inspiration

Kelham Island Industrial Museum

A recent trip Sheffield saw a visit to Kelham Island Industrial Museum.

Showcasing The City's Tool making and steel production heritage.

What better place to get some inspiration for future Steampunk projects?

It just so happened that on the day of our visit there was a 1940's exhibition on as well.

Thanks for looking

John & Heather xx

500 Years In The Making

Little Morton Hall

Built in 1504 and still standing, I love this place.

So many hand made glass "quarries" in this place it literally sparkles in the sunlight.

It even has a moat.

This is one of the coolest National Trust properties that we have visited.

Its only a few miles from Congleton in Cheshire.

This place is so quirky and must have the most uneven wooden floor I have ever seen.

Its even more uneven than my new shed floor

If you get a chance you need to check this place out.

Thanks for looking

John & Heather

Biddulph Grange Gardens

Out And About Again

The National trust membership has been getting a bit of a bashing lately.

This weekend we have been to a couple of places 

Firstly we went to Biddulph Grange Gardens in Staffordshire

I suppose you could say it is a bit of a Victorian Folly.

It is in fact quite a cool place with a Chinese section and an Egyptian section.

For any body who is a supporter of the National Trust, the membership is such good value for money especially if you have kids.

There is so much heritage on our doorsteps but you need to make the effort to go and check it out

whether you are into to gardens, or the history of the country.

It is just cool to be out and about and a privilege to have all this heritage available to us.

Thanks for looking

John & Heather xx

Coughton court

Out And About

Last weekend was fantastic . 

Sunday saw us visit Coughton Court a great National trust property.

This place has an amazing garden and has ties to the Gunpowder plot.

If you've never been here, we would highly recommend it.

Check out their Ice cream and also the head in a bag ( reputedly that of Sir Walter Raleigh ).

Thanks for looking

John &Heather xx

Powertex Newbies

More Garden Plaques

 Its always nice to meet and teach new people.

A new venue for me The Fabric Cabin in Ripley.

 They teach lots of different workshops here all fabric based.

We may even book on a couple ourselves just to have a play at something new.

The Garden plaque is a fantastic introduction to Powertex.

If you would like to try your hand at fabric sculpting I am sure there will be an instructor near you.

Remember all Powertex workshops are taught by accredited Powertex Instructors 

The Instructor should have their accreditation certificates on display.

Thanks for looking

John & Heather xx

A Special Occassion

A Touch Of Class

It is always nice to give someone  a bottle of wine or champagne as a gift.

So why not make your gift stand out by giving it a personal touch. Its easy with one of these lovely bespoke bottle cuffs and matching glass

This Powertex workshop taught at Craftstation, Kirkby in Ashfield was a complete success with every project turning out fab.

Like most workshops we teach, its the little tips and techniques that are invaluable for when you go away and have ago yourself.

All these projects were made with bronze Powertex liquid hardener, Powertex easy varnish and Powercolor pigment powders.

Thanks for looking 

John & Heather x