​Today Sanny Bijvoet from Bussum is coming for a workshop. She likes to work with robust natural stones and design silver pendants with this. The example what she sent me in advance, gives me a picture of her intentions.

I secretly prepared myself for a day of experimenting. Not every stone can be heated, we may only have to design the pendant and later fix the stone in it.

Sanny also wants to work with copper clay today, so we take some extra time for that. Her friend Carlos comes along. His hobby is photography, so today he can capture Sanny in her activities on film.
 
The final result is disappointing. The silver pendant has shrunk too much and does not fit around the rhinestone. The adjustments and finishing even cause two fractions, making the pendant completely unusable. Very unfortunate.

The copper charms have been successful and have a nice fragile appearance. Sanny used shells and made molds. With the help of these molds, the charms are designed from copper clay.
 
Well and then the workshop day is over. We agree that I will provide two natural stones with a silver suspension system. I may possibly also fire the stones. Personally I believe this doesn’t work out well. Sanny wants to see what the result is. We are going to experience it, does everything come out of the kiln okay?

In the end I choose to design the custom pendants out of the silverclay and fire them without the rhinestone and amethyst. The estimate of the expected shrinkage has been successful and the pendants fit neatly around the gems.

Fine, even this day has been brought to a successful conclusion, admittedly.
Sanny, thank you for the confidence and success with your business!

This workshop was already 2 x scheduled in October.
​
An Meel had already signed up for this and unfortunately had to cancel. At her request, I have blocked a third day in my agenda so that An can also take part today.

And it just so happens that she is alone and therefore gets private lessons.
No problem, it's always fun with this Belgian colleague. Moreover, it offers the possibility to discuss our trip to England. In March 2018 we both participate the YCMI (You Can Make It) and like last year we are really looking forward to it.
 
These chat sessions frame the workshop. The break is filled with a delicious low-carbohydrate lunch. Just like her predecessors, An also delivers a nice result in this workshop. Naturally finished entirely Belgian matt, in our neighboring country there is no preference for high gloss. Virtually all jewels are matt. Virtually all jewels are carried out there matt.

Dear An, thank you for your pleasant presence. We definitely talk to each other before leaving for Wareham. Metal Clay Party Time! 😉

From 1 to 5 November 2017, the KreaDoe days are planned in Utrecht, and it is for the last time to find Studio "Nevada's Dream" as representative of Art Clay Silver. We say goodbye to this event which we enthusiastically attended for 11 years. Looking back on a wonderful time full of interested visitors, driven Art Clay Silver fellow instructors and friendly co-exhibitors, we once again occupy a stand at the biggest creative five-day exhibition in the Netherlands.
 
Together with Edith van Leeuwen of "ArtiChic/Zilverklei Webwinkel" from Hillegom and Renske Dussel of "Renske-Art" from De Bilt.

And, like last year, we are facing a setback, this time smaller than last year's format. On the 2nd day of this fair, short-term closure will result in the final disposal of our cash register. Professionally we continue the way we were used to for years. Who needs a cash register? 😉
 
Also this year we received a fair number of ladies and gentlemen! for the now-known short introductory workshop, in which they made a small bead or pendant. Again the results were amazing.
 
And then we will close this chapter. Dear Renske and Edith, thank you for the pleasant cooperation. I look back on a great period of KreaDoe. All visitors thank you for the interest and enthusiasm. And next to Renske and Edith, I would like to thank all other colleagues for their excellent cooperation. Finally, Craftlines gets a big thank you for the support.

With a small tear, I say see you in a different setting. Be welcome in our studio for a workshop, course or training. We help you gladly!