Turning Earth!

When I heard that Turning Earth were opening up a second studio a 15 minute brisk walk from my house... to say that my heart stopped for a beat or two wouldn't be an exaggeration! This weekend saw the grand opening with a two day market featuring over 60 artists who operate from the studios. 
Nestled in an industrial complex on Argall avenue just between The Marshes and Leabridge Road Over ground Station this cute brick built set of units houses not only Turning Earth but a host of other small design businesses and including LightHus which some of you might recognise from the Saint James Street end of Walthamstow Market.

I must confess that with so many beautiful things on sale that I had my eyes on the end of sticks!
I found an array of amazing pieces from pretty and dainty cake like vases to wild and colourful spiky pots which wouldn't look out of place in Salvador Dali's home!
So here are a few favourites designers who's work I fell in love with on the day... all though there were so many more ceramic pieces I could have easily given a home to. Click on the links under the images to visit individual websites and on the photos for larger images...

 *From left to right: Azem Willam Ceramics // Natascha Madeiski

 * Ceramicist and illustrator Noa Weintraub

 *From left to right: AR Ceramics // Lily Pearmain Ceramics

The light and airy warehouse studio is not just beautiful but I can imagine it must also be an inspiring place to work in.
Membership fees are on a monthly basis and allow makers a weekly 15 hour working time, plus a shelf, glaze room and use of kiln as well as expert lead technical staff.

Having studied ceramics and have had previously worked in a tile studio in London the draw to this place is immense!
Yes it's been a while since I've thrown anything onto a wheel and all though I did specialise in traditional Portuguese tile painting throwing was always something which had proven to be a skill  I've always wanted to improve!
And to be honest after almost 26 years I can bet that my skills are going to need a lot of honing! BUT with the arrival of Turning Earth I'm hoping to change all that!
If you'd like to learn more about membership, location etc please visit the Turning Earth web site:
www.e10.turningearth.uk

Knit some Christmas cheer...

The good people of the Waltham Forest Adopt team have come up with a very crafty bit of campaigning... "Close Knit Family" is part of the very clever campaign to bring awareness to adoption.
So if you can knit and fancy doing your bit then get making! We love this project and we'll be clacking our needles to make a few too... though I think we definitely need a pet dog and a cat to finish off the family!

"As part of  the campaign we are asking people to get involved and raise awareness of the importance of adoption by knitting dolls that we will distribute to local children."

To make the dolls please follow the guide pattern:

Please have your dolls ready by Friday December the 13th and hand in or post to:

FREEPOST RRGL-ZXTL-GZXZ
Close Knit Family
Waltham Forest Strategy and Communications
Waltham Forest Town Hall
Forest Road
Walthamstow E17 4JF

For further info, to down load the pattern and/or if you're interested in adoption then please visit the Borough Of Waltham Forest web site...

 

Love your borough awards...

OK I'm not one to blow my own trumpet but if you think that by providing a creative and sociable event which aids and facilitates the (Walthamstow) community make us deserving of a a "Love your borough" award then please do nominate us.
Please e mail us so we can give you relevant information : craftguerrilla@yahoo.com

PS
we have been contacted by the good people of Waltham Forest borough to consider ourselves for the award...otherwise I think we would have been too shy to have even thought we'd be eligible.