A jaunt into the beautiful Lancashire countryside in the early months of 2012 has opened up a whole world of possibilities to my family and my happy little self.
Slap-bang in the middle of nowhere lies a fantastic place called Cedar Farm Galleries. Unique shops, contemporary crafts, amazing food, perhaps the best coffee shop I have EVER been in, children’s playgound, petting farm, Meringues bigger than Everest, farmers markets, vintage fairs. I could go on, and I will, but I’m going to have to save some of the goodies for future posts.
Let the record state that I have some truly amazing friends and for my birthday I received a gift voucher for above mentioned farm, for a whole day glassmaking and designing at Julie Langan Glass, located in the PigBarn. Seemingly my obvious hints did not fall on deaf ears.
With a gush of relief that we weren’t in an actual pig barn and after a brief, but I guess necessary, health and safety talk, Julie let us roam her workshop in the hunt for the perfect piece of coloured glass or copper wire for us all to create the masterpieces that were bursting forth from our creative noggins. What a brilliant day it was and by the time 4pm came we were all mentally drained but totally and utterly creatively satisfied.
What I liked most was the fact that we could just get on with it and pretty much create anything that we could dream up. A vase, a wall plaque, coasters, false teeth holder, bowls, frames, etc. There were plenty of assistants on hand to guide us in the right direction if we got a bit over zealous with the glass cutting implements. Generally though they were just overseeing and trying to not interfere too much.
Being as impatient as I am, the week I had to wait whilst all of our creations went for firing was a very long week indeed! Pacing the floor like an expectant father, I practically squealed with delight when I unwrapped the fruits of my labour. I was thrilled to bits. As you can see from the images, the before and after shots are so very different. My favourite piece is the vase. The one which is now pride of place on my dining table. The one which I can now say, ‘I made that.’
Julie does classes for everyone regardless of their ability or age, and the family days ensure that the kids don’t miss out either. Hop on over to her website, www.julielanganglass.co.uk, and book now for the chance to experience and create.
Hey, and if you can’t be bothered to get those creative juices flowing then you can just buy glassy arty stuff ready made. Great eh?
People, please don’t be frightened of the ‘SHARE’ button. We want, nay we need, the world to know about us.
Think big and reach for the stars,
