Chile miners rescue / general glass engraving news

Not since a purple banner flashed across the TV screen saying that Lady Di had been involved in a car accident, have I been so emotionally involved and completely engrossed in a news item. Ever since these miners were trapped I have followed the story and yesterday was just the most amazing climax and what a stunning positive happy ending. I think the world learnt a whole lot from Chile and how they conducted the whole rescue from start to finish. The support that was given and I am sure will continue to be given is fantastic.
Chi Chi Chi le le le !!
So back down to work. Commissions on the go range from English wildlife, family crests (one on a very old crystal doornob!), farm animals (cows/horses and piglets) to go on a large bowl, gorgeous Highland Terrior on a crystal block and several simple lettering engravings for one of my oldest customers (whilst I have been in this country) who I have engraved so many things for I have lost count! I feel at home here when she walks in, like I have been here for many years although it has only been 9. I love my "pioneer" customers, who in the beginning commissioned me going on not much more than a couple of photos and my word that I have had years of experience in Africa. There are some very precious people out there.

Recent commission: A presentation bowl to an outgoing Lady Captain of a golf club.

This Saturday is the Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Guild of Glass Engravers in London and for anyone who has an interest in engraved glass, I would encourage to join so that you too can benefit from such events. We will have 2 excellent speakers during the day and are able to purchase crystal and glass blanks from local glass blowers for engraving. A very unique event.

I have a passion for cullets and here is a selection I have staring at me waiting for some inspired engraving.....why does mining come into mind?.......or something hidden in the earth for centuries perhaps.....

To finish...I just need to say, keep positive always and have faith!
Have nothing to do with people who are not nice and keep with people who are.

ps:......pop into my eBay shop

Busy engraving week and Cambridge sales

Well I was up at 4.15am (or was it 4.30...all a blur now) to get ready and drive to the fair. Thankfully the route is generally quiet at that time and on a Sunday, I am not keen on traffic, especially with a car laden with crystal! The rain held off just long enough for us all to offload the cars but I think the customers had to deal with the rain and would have been relieved to step into the sparkly warm dreamy world of crystal and glass.
This picture shows the main antique glass hall just before the opening. There are also stands all around the walls behind me and to the sides. My stand is in the Contemporary hall which you see part of below, also just before the doors openned.

I am a bit far from the main food hall (which is probably a good thing because there is a fabulous array to choose from) but I do miss the live music at lunchtime unfortunately.

It was lovely to see so many friends and "regulars" there and I was delighted to have sold one of my pieces, "Woodland Honey" to a couple who already own a few of my other works. This little honey pot caused quite a stir, one lady came and told me she thought it was the lovliest item at the fair. I also received a commission for another one.



My crystal bowl "Serene Musing" was also a little star, litterally, as there were people photographing it! Anyway that sold to a gent who found the bamboo a reminder of where he had lived. It was a pleasure to engrave, exquisite gentle colours, very thin layers which I carved through. The beauty of something like this is that it is so unique, the bowl was hand blown by Ian McDonald .

So now it is time to catch up with orders which are piled neatly waiting for some action! Football awards, Golf club presentations and awards, a lovely Tudor crystal bowl for a wedding, got some barn owls and badgers to do that have been waiting for ages....also some interesting poetry on crystal bookends, family crests on champagne flutes...and a number of antique crystal tumblers to have a family crest...along with an old crystal doornob! (or is that doorknob??) ...well I had better stop waffling then.

Have been "gyming" at 6am too, helps me deal with it all.....

oh ....and have added a few small bits to the eBay shop

‎"My understanding of life continues to grow. I walk upon this planet safe and secure, always moving forward toward my greater good." - Louise L. Hay