Newtonmore in Gaelic ring

This fabulous ring was designed and made by today's student Lydia, Baile Ur an t-Sleibh is the Gaelic for Newtonmore (I'm reliably informed). What a great idea, I promise not to copy it Lydia!

work in progress - step by step

So this is what I've been up to at the gallery while it's quiet.  Finally have got round to doing some sketches of a wee house up the glen in Newtonmore.  It's funny, every picture that I've ever done while listening or watching something, that something is always remembered when I look at the picture again, so whenever I look at this one I will always remember Fred MacCaulay talking about his favourite food!  Tomorrow I should be able to finish off the background then add some paper for colour and texture, what I'd like to know is if you like it finished off tidily or left with a few loose wires? Personally I like unfinished work, this allows the viewer gets a better understanding of what the making process is all about, I'd like to hear your views?

Friday's workshop class

Today's lucky student was the only one at the friday workshop so she got one to one tuition! She went away feeling very proud of what she'd made with very little assistance from me!

Silversmithing workshop in Newtonmore

There are 2 places left on this friday's workshop, starting at 11am and finishing 3pm costs £50, all you need to bring is enthusiasm (and a sandwich if you need to!) tea/coffee and baking provided. Phone 01540 673334 to book

Orwell and Goode, noodle bowls and a mountain Teacosy!

Lovely stuff on the shelves of the gallery walls for that last minute christmas present!

The very first workshop at the gallery!

Well today was the very first workshop to be held at The Black Rock Gallery and look what they made! Things we covered today included, piercing, filing, sanding, drilling, hammering, soldering, polishing and gold leafing plus more!  No experience is required and all you need to have is a willingness to have a go and I'll be there to make sure it all goes to plan!

Think my workbench needs tidied!

 

Antlers pieces

Fancy making something yourself out of antler? or always wanted a set and didn't know where to get one? well, today I received a whole variety of pieces for sale in the gallery...

Thomas Banks (wooden Tom)

 

The photo doesn't do it justice, this lovely chair made by Tom Banks from Carrbridge using traditional tools from Birch and Elm is only £150! 



Interesting bits and pieces to buy at the gallery

Here at The Black Rock Gallery, I take great care to find a range of gifts and art to buy at a variety of prices, take a look at some new pictures taken today...



I asked Penny Weir from Loch-an-Eilein pottery to create some new work using a white glaze which has turned out beautifully and reminds me of snowdrifts. 

Bryce Reynard from Inverness has made these stunning birchbark roses using birch that he collects from trees near his home. This is a rose that will last forever!

New work finished for the gallery

 

Finished just last week, from an old photo of a house near Westerdale in Caithness, titled 'The house that no long exists' because I drove past it earlier this year and found that there was a new house in it's place...