Adding to the Flock in more Ways Than One

Just a quick post today as it's been far too long. The past few months have been very busy. In the later stages of my pregnancy I was in the studio making as many birds as possible so that when our new baby was born I could time spend time with her and Emily.  Our gorgeous little 'Abbie' was born on 1 April. Yes, April fool's day. It really just makes her even more special. I went into hospital on the 31st and since I was induced that same day and being my forth child, we thought she would definitely be born on that day. Not the case and 'Abbie Elizabeth' was born on the afternoon of 1st April. Here's a picture with her big and very proud sister Emily (4).

 

 



A few new birds have been added to my range of  native Australian birds the last few months. I was asked by a customer on Etsy if I could make a Butcher Bird, a Wedge-tailed Eagle and a White Breasted Sea Eagle. So, as it usually happens, they are now a part of the flock. The butcherbird I will make on a regular basis that is for sure as it is already proving popular.

 



 

 

Some exciting news to share... A tourist outlet that is probably interested in carrying a range of my handmade ceramics in the Macarthur area. Hope it all comes together as I would like. Will know more in a few weeks.

 





Mother Nature and her Influence

For as long as I can remember, I have always had a love of gardening and nature. I am an earth person. Happiest when I am doing something with my hands and getting dirty. It's my way of feeling connected with the earth.

We all have people and moments in our life that have a lasting impression on us. It shapes who we are and perhaps what pathways we are to follow with respect to talents, loves etc. I also believe that we are all born with certain passions and talents, we just have to tap into them and discover them.

I was born in England. A magical moment for me when I was a little girl, was when my parents took us on a family picnic to the English woods. I was about 7 or 8 years of age. It was spring and I cannot begin to tell you how beautiful it was. I was in awe of the impressive old trees like oaks, birch etc reaching up to sky and blocking out the sun. Underneath was an endless sea of blue bells that took my breath away and the fragrance was amazing. That day is still so clear in my mind and the feelings I had as a result, I believe gave me a love and the connection I have today with nature.

My parents emigrated to Australia when I was ten. Australia is the place/country I call home. I love everything about our beautiful country. The flora and fauna constantly have me in awe,. The landscapes, colours and textures are so beautiful and as a creative person, I am constantly taking in my surroundings.

Like many artists, I take inspiration from nature and it is reflected in my work. This is what influenced my range of Australian native birds. The flock (range) is constantly growing. I really love seeing the people who buy them and their appreciation for the love, time and effort that goes into making everyone of them.

If you read my last blog, I mentioned that there was another new bird to my range. The "Rainbow Lorikeet' was a big hit at Coledale Markets on the weekend. Getting busy today making some more today, so its off to the studio.

If you are looking to purchase any of my little birds, please email me for suppliers or visit my Etsy shop. Link via my home page.

Thanks for dropping by today. Have a beautiful day.



Mittagong Market this Saturday

Off with my treasures to - Mittagong Markets - Saturday 20 October 2013, Uniting Church Grounds, 8 - 3pm
Mittagong Markets info link

If you are in the Christmas shopping mood this Saturday, why not drop by and see what the lovely Mittagong Markets has to offer. It's getting closer to the silly season and generally there are not only the great regular stallholders, but also newbies with plenty of great, unique Christmas present ideas to make buying gifts a real pleasure.

I have been very busy the last few weeks making some new and exciting Christmas tree decorations as well as my usual, popular hanging birds, which double as beautiful Christmas tree decorations this time of year.  My native Australian bird range make a wonderful gift for someone special. They look amazing not only hanging in the garden, but are lovely as a indoor decoration. A special gift for a garden or nature lover. See past blogs for photos of these.

At Christmas time, I make an arrangement in the centre of my Christmas table using natural gum tree branches in a wide vase or something similar then arrange a selection of my little birds for all to enjoy. It looks so pretty. I have had customers do the same thing and each year they come back at this time of year to see what other birds they can add to their collection.

My new and latest native Australian bird is the 'Superb Fairy Wren'. These have proved to be very popular at a recent market, but are new for my customers that frequent Mittagong Markets. If you don't want to miss out, get down to see me early on Saturday as they are my best seller!

Here's a flock of them in the making, all ready for a clear glaze and firing.

 

 

 

 

 

Psst.... a little secret.... another new bird to be released next month? Can you guess what it will be?

 

Can't get to my market? Then why not have a look at my Etsy Shop. Buy up to five items and I can post to anywhere in Australia for $6.95. Jan Wallace Pottery Etsy Shop Link

 

I will be adding some of my Christmas decorations to my shop in the next few days. So, keep a look out.

 

Thanks for stopping by. 

Artsnic Gallery Opening Night

I met a lovely lady through a mutual friend a couple of years ago who has just opened an art gallery and photographic studio in Camden NSW, which is the town where I my husband and I went to high school together many moons ago. Sarah Lamond from Artsnic Photography does wedding photography, family portraits and artistic photography. She contacted me a couple of weeks ago asking if I would be interested in selling work in her new gallery, to which I said... YES PLEASE!

Last night was the official opening night. There was a small gathering and the general vibe and feel of the gallery was really nice. It is a pleasure to be asked to have my work on display in her gallery, especially in a town that is dear to my heart.

Sara has on display some of my birds including a collection of Australian birds, a dry glazed vase, some raku pieces and a collection of pendants

I quickly put together some of my pendants yesterday on little cards I had at home and took them along last night. They were well received as was my other work. Made a few sales. It's always really great to talk to people who are interested to know more about the process of my work and to meet and talk to other like minded people and last night was one of those opportunities to do just that.

Artsnic Gallery / Photographic Studio is located at 'Camden Cottage' 39 John Street, Camden.
Contact Sara on (02) 4602 8100

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today. Why not drop by and see what some of folk on Mud Colony have been doing this week.