I don’t usually include art that the children do at school, but as this is from an after-school club, I’m going to break my own rule. I love that talented people give up their time to teach the next generation something special. Using proper grown-up materials and methods.
Their very talented teacher has really brought the best out in them, judging by all the creations they have brought back this term. This is just a small part of the collection that now lives on one of our windowsills. (I’m terrified of dusting them, in case I break something. Must think of a better home for them.)
BL was particularly pleased with her pear. She had inadvertedly splashed tiny brown spots while applying the glaze (got that wrong – the brown spots are already in the glaze), but was thrilled to see the results. Can you see it? Just right for a pear.
Each fruit opens up. I love the colour inside AJ’s plum. I hadn’t realised that the glaze changes colour when it’s fired in the kiln. She had to specially mix the plum skin colour and hope. TF’s apple was even more surprising, but that will have to wait for another day.
They all came back full of the details about making these fruits. Interrupting each other, if they felt something crucial had been left out. I found it fascinating as my clay modelling at school went no further than painting clay pots. Not a kiln in sight. In fact, the most exciting art method I did at school was batik. My teachers were more into painting, I guess. So I am lapping up everything my little ones tell me.
Now to the other end of the generations. I have finally put a new back on my Great Grandmother’s cushion cover. When my Grandmother died, along with some other bits and pieces, the cushion cover joined my collection. The back of the cover was worn and I don’t think was ever fixed properly. Eventually it tore and the fragile fabric was too worn to fix.
I’ve rebacked it with a piece of stronger blue fabric and it is back in use. I was born after my Great Grandma died. She was a head teacher and ran several schools. She also loved geraniums, which has always endeared her to me. (That and the story about her mixing up the sugar and the salt in a cake recipe once!)
This cover must be at least 60- 80 years old, if not older. I hadn’t realised how much it had faded. Much brighter threads to be seen once I took the backing off. I love having this cushion around. It reminds me of all the crafts women that have gone before me in my family. They made beautiful things for their homes and were inspired by nature too.
The urge to create continues through the generations. It appears that my children have caught the creative bug too.
Joining in with the Magic Onions today and Craft Schooling Sunday
Aside: sorted out my blog list problem. I’ve moved my list to Bloglovin, so I can still keep up with everyone. I was using Google Reader, but as that will be disappearing, it seemed as good a time to make the move. I’ve also added a few more buttons to my sidebar, so that any readers can be kept up to date about my new posts, including through Bloglovin. I’m going to miss Google Reader, but it is good to know that there are other ways to keep up with my favourite blogs.
I really love the pottery fruit, it should be treasured and I know it will be. My eldest son made an owl and I still love it, he is now 49 years old.
Craft talents obviously go a long way back in your family. The cushion is so lovely, worn but homely, I wonder if it was originally a trammed pattern, it looks like it.
As for the blog, I have moved to Bloglovin as well but really am not sure what its all about, I learned today that blogspot may even close eventually because they dont’ make any money from it (ugly money again). So I may eventually move to WordPress, we’ll see.
Keep warm it looks as thought we’re in for a really cold spell again.
Just knitting a tiny scarf for one of the rabbits. lol
Briony
x
I’m really pleased to showcase their work here. Makes a change from my usual textiles. The process took several weeks, as the pieces had to be partly fired, worked on and fired again. The children came back so excited.
Still finding my way around Bloglovin, but at least I can find everyone still! Good excuse to curl up in front of the fire. Brr! It is cold. Hope you’re keeping warm too.
Great Pottery and lovely cushion cover (I love the back view too)…isn’t making things fun and links with the past make it even more special.
I always think the back of a piece of work is worth taking a look at. Tells another story. 🙂
The pottery fruit looks so sophisticated. I don’t know how old your children are, but they are very talented.
They have got a fabulous teacher, with great ideas. I do think she inspires them. The plum was by my 10 year old, the pear by my 8 year old and the apple is my 5 year olds.
Hello, I’ve found you again. Would you believe I haven’t seen any of your posts for ever so long and now I know why. I’m a bit dumb when it comes to technology. Anyway, I’ve also put a bloglovin icon on my side bar so you can follow me that way now if you would like. So glad I can chat to you again.
Anne xx
Good to see you again Anne. I’m following you through Bloglovin too!
oh i’m loving the fruit so much!!
fantastic!!
The fruit are fun aren’t they? Having three of them almost makes a fruit basket. 😀
yes, the pottery is a good treasure indeed. The inside colours are a nice surprise. Well done children. I would love to take a class like that.
I keep on hoping their teacher will offer an adult class. 😀
love those fruit, and also need to find a place to display my kid’s ceramics, have a few year’s worth! thanks for sharing on Craft schooling Sunday!
I may need to invest in a new glass fronted cupboard, or rearrange some of my other shelves. I am truly surprised by their work!