A Royal Visit

Artists and crafts people were among those invited on wednesday July 14th, to The Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries to a civic reception for HRH Queen Elizabeth and HRH Prince Philip. Natalie Vardey, jeweller and Chair of Spring Fling Open Studios and Hannah Mcandrew, potter were two of just seven people representing the creative industries. Natalie said that she was very honoured but felt a weight of responsibility to be representing the hundred members of Spring Fling Open Studios in such a small but significant group.

Pictured here at The Easterbrook Hall are Michael Lloyd - silversmith, Hannah McAndrew, Natalie Vardey and Anna Campbell - Depute Lord Lieutenant of The Stewartry.

Spring Fling at B.C.T.F

This week three of this year's Spring Fling participants are exhibiting at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate. This show is open from the 5th to 7th April at the Great Yorkshire Showground and is open to trade buyers only and it represents "the best of British makers."
Natalie Vardey's (Studio 55 on the Red Route) beautiful, unique and collectable is on display along with new additions to her Spirit Level range made with silver and acrylic and designed to play on the interaction of light transference and reflections, some with moving parts and others with an illusion of movement.

Amanda Simmons (Studio 33 on the Purple Route) is exhibiting her kiln formed and engraved glass at the show. Her display shows a range of both wall based cameo pieces and large engraved bowls. Amanda's current work is influenced by the rhythms and patterns of her local landscape which she is translating through diamond point engraving, angle grinding and fibre paper into her glass.

Hannah McAndrew's (Studio 52 on the Red Route) slipware is also at the trade show where she is displaying her new Harlequin Range which she feels particularly emphasises the individuality of her work as each piece is treated to a slightly different surface pattern but because of the nature of her work the pieces will all still sit happily together as a family.

Spring Fling artist at Burns Light.

Today marks the start of celebrations for Scotland's Homecoming year.In Dumfries today 10,00 people were expected to gather for a procession of lanterns through the streets of the historic town to gather at the Whitesands for a fire show featuring a wicker sculpture of Tam O'Shanter to be fired on the night. Local willow artist Trevor Leat has been working on the giant Tam O'Shanter sculpture along with fellow artist Alex Rigg.

Trevor has been a part of the Spring Fling since it started and is renowned for his work using natural materials and a number of different weaving techniques. From baskets and hampers to coffins and enormous sculptures for fire festivals and concerts in particular the figure central to the Wickerman music festival.

For the Spring Fling weekend Trevor will open his studio in the village of Auchencairn and will be exhibiting and demonstrating alongside jeweller Natalie Vardey who ups sticks to share Trevors studio for the weekend.