A New Mokume-Gane training was planned from 1 to 4 June. 3 colleagues had registered for this. Ingrid van Dijk (Wijnen) from Norway, Esther Peeren-Verkade from "D-Zign for Life" in Son en Breugel and Annemiek de Graaf from "Xitin Beads" inHarderwijk.
 
Because of the sad and sudden death of our mother, 2 days before the start, I had to cancel this training. Thanks to the understanding and flexibility of these ladies, there are 2 today who still complete this training. Ingrid moves her spot to a later time this year. For her it was too expensive to rebook both flights and hotel. With her I like to make a new appointment.
 
Formally we are also busy with the relocation of the studio. Given the approaching end date of the old location, we have to step up and my dear husband Michael ensures that Annemiek and Esther are the first to enter the new spaces. As good as ready, I facilitate the training for them this weekend.
 
They are present for 4 full days and they work diligently through the curriculum of this wonderful technique with which they create 6 beautiful pieces of jewelry.

Now still exam to finally obtain the certificate. I am very curious about the favorite spring technique ladies 😉

Dear Annemiek and Esther, thank you again for coming and thank you for the pleasant, driven input. Ingrid, once again apologize for the inconvenience that has arisen. I call myself rich with such colleagues!

This morning I left early for a nice weekend in Belgium. Once again, Inge Verbruggen took over the organization for a masterclass in Temse. This time Joy Funnell from England with a great technique to create beautiful links and components, with which a beautiful chain can be designed.
 
And again Renske can not participate. However, she did have the chance to catch the extra day. Yesterday Joy has already explained to a number of colleagues the technique of enamelling. Enameling is also covered in our two-day masterclass. There I can refresh my memory again.

I do not actually enamel or hardly, I myself am more a fan of UV-Resin. Shirley Wouters of "Aware Jewels" in Uithoorn also goes this weekend and with her I can share a room in Jan’s homely B&B, in the Nijsstraat of Temse.
 
Shirley and I meet at the carpoolplace "De Staart" near Houten. The ride goes smoothly. We stop at Hazeldonk and take a cup of coffee/tea and something tasty at La Place. At least that is the intention. We arrive at 7.55 am and can just walk in. Yet no one appears to be confessed, the entire staff is outside in the coffee. We decide to wait, the opening time is 08.00, so will we be helped? Not. The mobile and coffee break seem to be more important than customers and sales. Shirley decides to interfere in the company and ask if we can place an order. With the necessary noticeable reluctance they move and moments later we enjoy a delicious oven baked delicacy and a steaming cup of coffee/tea.
 
We continue the journey and arrive on time at the workshop space JOC de Nartist in Temse. With a friendly group of enthusiastic ladies, we work on the base of the project of this masterclass, the Joyful Links and Chain. What a nice masterclass this is! So many possibilities and techniques.
 
In the afternoon we enjoy lunch and Inge provides delicious sandwiches. For dinner we agree to dine together at "De Zaatman". Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to be present. Better luck next time.

Once home, I look back on a fantastic weekend.
Shirley thanks that I was allowed to ride with you and share a room.
Joy, thank you for sharing your metal clay skills.
Inge, you for the good organization before and during this masterclass and all those present for the cozy cooperation these days!