The British craft trade fair (BCTF) April 2015

I have been so busy for the last few weeks since the BCTF catching up on making and contacting all the lovely people I met. It was also nice to see familiar faces and catching up with lovely maker friends is always a bonus!
I was pleased with my stand and my new sign fitted in a treat...

My hanging boards came back out this year as you can't screw into the space at this show. I added a pop of colour on the centre board this year which really stands out and my new photos looked fab on this.

I took along my new bird house range which went down well...

As well as some old favourites!

I also took the new collaboration work myself and Samantha Robinson (SARK) have been working on. A range of textured jewellery and vessels inspired by zips and my floral leaf pattern taking inspiration from each others techniques and ways of working with materials. We would also exchange pieces half way through making so it's a real mix of both of our styles...

As well as making orders, I will be getting ready for my next show in June, The contemporary craft festival, Bovey Tracey, Devon, 5th-7th June, http://craftsatboveytracey.co.uk. It is always such a good show to do, great location, wide variety of makers and lot's going on throughout the day with demos and workshops so it's definitely worth a trip!

Reflecting on 2014

I have completed quite a few commissions in 2014 from a special tea set to a cake stand for a vintage loving bride. But my favourite has to be this one which I can now share with you!

I was approached by a customer who wanted me to illustrate a very personal cup and saucer for a tea lover....

I illustrated a landmark or a significant part of the year from when they met in 2010 up until 2014 when he wanted to propose! I was thrilled to be part of such a special moment!!

Once we decided on the pattern and colour scheme I set to work on the design and illustrations. I really love working on something different...

This was the finished result I really love bringing a design to life!

Happy new year!

Happy new year! Here's to 2015 and it's already shaping up nicely on the workshop front.

These are my NEW workshop dates. Enjoy a relaxed creative morning or afternoon with me to create a beautiful hand-made piece to treasure in an inspiring setting…

January 17th Porcelain button and brooch workshop, Itch gallery, Oakham, Rutland 

“Be inspired by Katie’s design boards and create 3 brooches and a set of buttons. Impress objects into clay and apply coloured glazes. The work will be taken away to fire and can be collected from the gallery 2 weeks later.”

To book http://itchgallery.co.uk/product/porcelain-brooch-button-workshop/

Saturday 14th March, at Debbie Bryan studio and shop, Nottingham, 10.30am – 12pm: Trio of Hand Painted Brooches, £22.

“Take a day out and learn specialist ceramic techniques in this duo of porcelain classes. Create a trio of stunning porcelain brooches, using specialist ceramic techniques in this morning porcelain class. Let creativity flow as you build and hand-paint your pieces using a multitude of stamps, cutters and imprinting tools.”

1pm – 5pm: Hand Painted Two Tier Cake Stand, £48

In this ceramic afternoon encore, by inspired by design secrets and take your time as your build and craft your two tier cake stand using a variety of ceramic tools. Once you’ve perfected your design, hand paint and watch as the colours transform your piece.

All materials are provided and once you’ve crafted your pieces, they’ll be taken away to be fired and set in their glory and returned to the shop a short time later for collection or upon scheduled delivery.

To book contact shop@debbiebryan.co.uk

Sunday March 15th 10 - 1  £30 Ceramic textured tiles or hanging plaques, at Wistow Gallery, Leicestershire. 

“Be inspired by Katie's design boards and create a trio of textured tiles or hanging plaques. You will learn how to impress objects into clay and apply glazes. The work will be taken away to fire and will be ready for collection from the gallery 2 weeks later.” 

To book please e-mail katie-almond@tiscali.co.uk

Saturday April 18th  10 - 1  £30 Hanging porcelain decorations, at Wistow gallery, Leicestershire.     

"Be inspired by Katie's design boards and create a trio of hanging decorations from hearts to birds. You will learn how to impress objects into clay and apply glazes. The work will be taken away to fire and will be ready for collection from the gallery 2 weeks later."

To book please e-mail katie-almond@tiscali.co.uk