Time to Get to the Tele!
Can I say I adore the UK? I was so very fortunate to spend the last week in England, teaching nine classes for my friends at Palmer Metals. I've know Amanda and Mark Naylor for years. We've long talked about my coming over, but this year they made it reality.
Claying Around at Palmer Metals
What a treat to teach a variety of classes from SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal design to polymer clay and resin focused classes. I even had some old friends pop in for some classes!
Striking a Pose with Friends Penny Vingoe and Kay Vincent During a Class Break
The first part of the week was spent teaching at Palmer Metals headquarters, which boasts a lovely training room. All the staff, including my friend Irene McCarthy went to great lengths to treat me like royalty. They constantly brought me steaming cups of lovely British tea. Everything about my trip was grand with perhaps the exception being cold and damp weather, or as the Scottish say, "Dreak!" But who's complaining? I was indoors most of the time doing what I love best, sharing my love of creativity. All the students were delightful.
With Amanda and Mark Naylor at the Historic Rose & Crown Pub-Some Things Really Do Last!
Mark and Amanda made sure I went home a bit heavier by way of wonderful meals prepared in their historic farm house kitchen or dining out. I just relish the chance to dine at a historic English pub! We enjoyed a delicious curry one night that I'll be dreaming of for ages. I personally feel that food in the UK gets a bad rap. Who can gripe about a proper English tea?!?!
It was fascinating getting a behind-the-scenes tour of Palmer Metals plating operation.
We headed Northward for the weekend where I taught four classes at the Harrogate Bead Fair, while Palmer Metals had a both filled with fantastic creative products. I managed to get in a bit of shopping, both at the fair and one night when Irene took me into Birmingham, for a few hours of power shopping.
Contributing to the British Economy with a Trip to Selfridges Department Store!
My hosts put me in the lap of luxury during our stay there at the Rudding Park Resort. The stunning wedding chapel was the view from my room.
Rudding Park Wedding Chapel
One treat was the drive back and forth from their historic home to their company in Coventry (where my car was made!). I was able to glimpse castle views and enjoy the beautiful British countryside. While it's nice to be back home, my memories will fill my heart to overflowing for a lifetime. To see more photos from the trip visit the UK '13 Gallery here on the blog. Cheers and happy claying!