Today I have an appointment with Dineke Oosting from Groningen.
She has signed up for an Art Clay Silver workshop.
​At 10:00 we start this day and despite the busy traffic at this considerable distance, she is fine on time.
 
During the discussion about the completion of the workshop and wishes of Dineke, she proposes to process porcelain in a ring. This is fine, provided we take into account a slightly longer cooling time.
After heating, Silver Clay can be cooled from the kiln directly into cold water, the so-called "crash cool". In combination with porcelain, this method is not recommended.
 
All stages are performed without breaks. Dineke certainly has affinity with the materials. The result is exactly as she had imagined it.
 
For lunch we took a little less time haha. We found time consuming one delicious sandwich and a fresh orange juice. Dineke takes home the 2nd sandwich, after all, she has a long drive ahead.
 
I enjoyed again today. Met a lovely, enthusiastic and creative lady, with whom I can share all kinds of fun ideas. Dineke, thank you for your input and success with all your creative activities!

After the Silver Day in Schoonhoven, I was approached by the organization of the Kunstvesting Heusden. An art route is held annually, for which artists from outside are invited. Art Clay Silver appears to be a good product to introduce this town's attention. Now, Brabant, for me as a representative of Metal Clay, is less interesting than De Veluwe in the field of work. However, I said yes, after I had decided to set up an exhibition with a colleague instructor. For this I have approached Joyce van Roosmalen from "Joy for Art" in Uden. This weekend we used both to introduce the small Heusden to this unique silverclay.
 
Particularly is that this weekend my husband Michael has come with me. He has arranged for Friday evening we can stay in a wonderfully luxurious room in the Hotel NH Waalwijk. So we enjoy a good night's sleep and have the next morning with a little 15 minutes at the former City Hall in Heusden. Joyce is also right on time and together we decorate the magnificent Guild Room with stunning silver jewelry. Outside it storms heavily. This makes the rise a little less than hoped this first day. Sunday forecasts are better, we expect more visitors.

At the end of this first day, the organization offers the opportunity to participate in a communal meal in the form of a Thai buffet. A summer movie is also planned for which each participant could sign up. Michael and I have decided to eat a bite together. He reserved a table at the Afghan Restaurant "Attan" in Waalwijk. Back at the hotel we freshen up briefly and then go on foot towards our dinner. Today, at 20.00, the start of "De 80 van the Langstraat" will be held. The center of Waalwijk is completely set for this event. Well, a small miscalculation, but good for fat burning. Back and forth this walk is just over 8 kilometers.
 
And what have we eaten deliciously say! A quiet little restaurant run by a Colombian young man and his Afghan girlfriend. We took us on a culinary journey and got a palette of tasty dishes. Extremely friendly and helpful service, everything taken care of. And that, looking for a festive crowd during the start of the previously mentioned walking event, the famous 80!
 
After such an exciting day it is wonderful to sleep in our spacious hotel bed. The next morning we eat our 2nd breakfast of the trip. It is a full occupation, so to see many Efteling visitors. After breakfast and check-out, we drive again towards Heusden for our 2nd and last day of the Biënnale.
 
The weather is better and thus the rise. We have brought Art Clay Silver to the attention of many. I am always amazed, still many people have never heard of silverclay. A great weekend to look back. The interest, the "wauww" effect by seeing our creations, the contacts.

Dear Joyce, thank you for your input, I hope there are many assignments and workshops for you.
 
Michael, this was a boost for several joint Metal Clay adventures?

Like every year, I am also present today. From 10:00 to 15:00 visitors are treated to an explanation, and they can view various examples.
​The Art Clay Silver workshop is scheduled for December 16th. And on departure - around 15.30 - there are already enough entries for that coming day.
 
Nice, I'm already looking forward to it. Some women I have spoken today. Including the youngest participant, who will be present in December with her grandmother.
 
Ladies, think about a beautiful and not too complicated design.
Together we will make it a pleasant afternoon!

Level 2 was scheduled this weekend. The radiant center was Sylvia van der Giessen of “SylviAtelier” from Sleeuwijk, who has visited Studio “Nevada's Dream” for this.
 
She is ready for it, which is apparent from the way she has prepared. For the past six months, Sylvia has practiced a lot and it pays off. With apparent ease, she walks through the different stages of the required projects. The rest she radiates definitely has a positive effect on the final result.

Dear Sylvia, how nice you've been back. I have enjoyed these past 2 days.
​On for Higher Level I guess? Suc6, you're sure to succeed!

The holiday is over, we start today with a fresh sense!
The first students I welcome are Hetty Dijkhof of "De Zilveren Hand" from Wilp and Mieke Kuiper of "De Zilverloods" from Radio Kootwijk.
 
They both signed up for the morning workshop Inlay Jewelry, which I also taught on the annual Instructors Day. In the afternoon I also planned the workshop Fuchsia Earrings, this is then followed by Mieke.

Dear girls, thanks for your coming and input.
Have fun with your creations!

Summer and almost vacation.
One last workshop before we unsubscribe for a few weeks of well-deserved rest.
 
We finish off with the "Fuchsia Earrings". Cheerful lightweight earrings made of Art Clay Silver Paper Type. For this I have reserved enough time from 13:00 to 17:00, but I suspect that we are going to make it in three hours.
 
Only two colleagues take part, a small cozy company, namely Edith van Leeuwen of "ArtiChic" from Hillegom and Sylvia van der Giessen of "SylviAtelier" from Sleeuwijk.
 
They both make a set of nice earrings, happy, dancing "flower bubbles" 😉.
 
Dear girls, I found it super that you were there. Enjoy the summer, to start charging again with a busy workshop season.

A few months ago, I received an e-mail from my good friend and colleague, ACS instructor Frank Hupse. In this message he responded to the question of a customer of him, Maria Fietje-Ras, she asked him to provide a workshop UV Resin. I was included in the CC, in his reply, he referred her to me. After all, Frank would move to Sweden in May / June 2017.
 
As from that message I took over and I agreed with Maria that the date June 24th was the most suitable for us. Today, she visited Studio “Nevada's Dream”, together with her mother and mother in law. For the last 2, it was a huge surprise, Maria pointed out that they might experience a sporty day. To make the story more exciting, she even "threatened" with a Mud Run 😉
 
None of the ladies seem already to have been working with silver clay. After the explanation of the possibilities with this unique material, a design choice will be made. The intention is that a lock of hair from Maria's daughter will be processed into the jewelry. So she and the two grandmothers will be creating a lasting memory.

And the designs became great, two pendants and a component for a bracelet. They all include not only Lena's hair, but also that of her husband Thory and herself. Mama dear nearly put the scissors in Maria’s ponytail. Fortunately, Maria herself arranged a useful lock of hair, hahaha.
 
Dear ladies, thank you for your enthusiastic participation. And of course Frank, thank you for the reference. Partly because of all of you, I've had a wonderfully creative day!

It’s been a year ago, 2nd Pentecost 2017 and, as in 2016, Renske Dussel from "Renske-Art" and myself again participate in the Silver Day in Schoonhoven.
 
We are looking forward to it. It has been a while since we could work together for a day. Busy at work, private and creative, meant that we had to suspend our Metal Clay agreements for a short period of time.

​We leave early, so we have enough time to quietly set up the stand. The weather is fair, sunny with quite a good wind.

The lady who will use the other half of our joint pavilion, is not yet present. She travels by public transport and arrives later in the morning. Once arrived, she also focuses on her table. They knit bags of silver wire with a value of minimum amount of € 1400, - per piece. She has 5 with her and the whole is being listened by a good looking young man who carries out the PR.
 
It will be a cozy, busy day. There is sufficient interest for Art Clay Silver, old and new customers visit the stand, as well as some Art Clay Silver colleague instructors.
 
We provide ourselves with the necessary coffee and treat ourselves around noon on fries. Delicious! Fat, wrong and oh so tasty!
 
Unfortunately, the sale is somewhat minimal, which is a pity. But the atmosphere is no less.

At 17.00, I quickly get Renske's jewelry at the Noviteit show. She has again presented a beautiful design for this exhibition. When I get back to the stand, everything has been cleared and packed. Soon home, there are still designs waiting to be finished before the match in Japan.
​You see? Always busy, positive pressure 😉

Dear Renske, thanks for this great day.
It was nice to have worked together.
Sharing chats and ideas is always nice.
​Next year again, okay ?!

Just like every year, an Art Clay Silver Instructor's Day is scheduled for 2017.

​Today is the day, which is why I got up at 06.30 am.
Together with Renske Dussel from Renske-Art, I drive to Oisterwijk.

​We agreed in De Bilt and from her studio we leave at 8:00 am towards the Krekul same location as last year.

5 instructors provide five different workshops for colleagues:
 
Renske Dussel                                                    -           Dahlia Earrings
Inge Verbruggen                                               -           Making bezels
Edith van Leeuwen                                          -           Ring with great effect
Annemarie Klappe                                           -           Filigree pendant
And myself, Henriëtte van Battum         -           Ring with Metal Inlay
 
I myself teach in the mornings. After lunch I participate in the workshop of Inge, making bezels. At 10:00 am everyone is present and Shirley de Jong holds her welcome speech. With Elles Drost they represented Craft Lines B.V., the distributor of Art Clay Silver for the Benelux and they also have organized this day. This includes planning, newsletters, reservation of the location, catering and the closing with a coffee sensation. And of course not to forget the goodie bags!

Immediately after the welcome, everyone starts with the morning workshop. I have a cozy full class, 15 ladies take part and design beautiful jewelry. Pendants, earrings and rings are colored with various types of metal mesh - red brass, copper, phosphate bronze and stainless steel after finishing, baking and polishing. These details are hammered in the silver and give a playful effect to the jewelry. The results can be found in the attached photo gallery.
 
We are ready before lunchtime. Delicious sandwiches, milk, buttermilk, fresh orange juice and a regional specialty "Brabantse Broeder". Delicious!
 
After lunch, I attend the workshop of Inge. I decide to design a pair of beautiful earrings and give them a more luxurious look with 8mm. marques facet cut zirconia amethyst. Also in this workshop the different colleagues made beautiful jewelry.
 
To end the day we are treated outside in the warm afternoon sun to have a coffee and / or tea sensation of Tante Sus. All beverages are freshly prepared at the mobile coffee bar. Something delicious as well? A choice of small sweets is presented invitingly.
 
At 18:00 we say goodbye and drive Renske and I again to De Bilt. The last stretch home I travel alone, like this morning. What a great day! Beautiful weather, nice colleagues, beautiful jewelry, good food, new techniques.

Thanks to all of you for the input, in any way whatsoever.
​
I'm looking forward to next year and the date has already been announced: September 23, 2018 the next instructors day is scheduled.

In life and health, I'm there. You too?

A warm sunny day is being cheerfully colored today with Reineke Muller's arrival.

More than 1,5 years ago, we already had a wonderful day filled with Metal Clay.
 
From Russia she again has returned to the Netherlands for a short period and she’s asked for the opportunity to plan a creative day at Studio "Nevada's Dream". 

At 9.35 am I’m at the station in Harderwijk to get her off the train. Our station has been completely renovated, which means she might think she’s got off at the wrong station. Nice to see Reineke again!
 
We drive to the studio and chat first while enjoying a cup of coffee. What are we going to do today? A lot! Copper clay, silver clay and polymer clay, fun, fun, fun. Choosing seems difficult, so we take all the ideas out of this roulette round.
 
Together we work with Metal Clay and each creating our own designs. Meanwhile, the kiln burns. Reineke made some jewellery at home, in which she processed the New Mokume-Gane technique. Today I fire the pieces for her.
 
At noon, Michael brings lunch. A baguette with meatballs and mustard. How delicious is that! Hurray for Holland, in Russia they do not know this. And chocomel, such a party, delicious!
 
At 5.30 pm I bring her back to the station. With a nice number of new creations, she returns to Amersfoort.

Dear Reineke, thank you for coming, the nice day, the delicious Russian chocolate.
I really enjoyed it. ​Possibly You Can Make It In 2018 ?!