tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53001475044060322502024-03-13T10:24:35.758-07:00So, who are Blended Monkey?Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-645943113309941152018-02-26T08:49:00.001-08:002018-02-27T07:31:55.269-08:00Been a busy month!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCShHpYKJj0/WpQstH0REXI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/Mspn7WKQ6kwxsbQnAmIH28x-SS8dFtzRQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2018-02-24%2B10.44.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCShHpYKJj0/WpQstH0REXI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/Mspn7WKQ6kwxsbQnAmIH28x-SS8dFtzRQCK4BGAYYCw/s200/2018-02-24%2B10.44.32.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Nutmeg in Shouldham Wood</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">February has been a hectic but really fun month, packed with lots of activities. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QfjCD7ZZ3Lc/WpQtK3IjHjI/AAAAAAAAAvg/RjlOGyPXqVc-_Ks2m5Co0jeciVVNMrX3ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2018-02-24%2B14.06.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QfjCD7ZZ3Lc/WpQtK3IjHjI/AAAAAAAAAvg/RjlOGyPXqVc-_Ks2m5Co0jeciVVNMrX3ACK4BGAYYCw/s200/2018-02-24%2B14.06.16.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hunstanton Beach</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Alongside the usual family and work commitments, we have had the odd walk in the woods at </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKqNipcCzqc/WpQs7mhYq0I/AAAAAAAAAvY/Lq_UVqFcXAcsP2vGDQpDpzwH-QhNAhWsACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2018-02-24%2B10.44.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKqNipcCzqc/WpQs7mhYq0I/AAAAAAAAAvY/Lq_UVqFcXAcsP2vGDQpDpzwH-QhNAhWsACK4BGAYYCw/s200/2018-02-24%2B10.44.26.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Beautiful Shouldham Wood</span></b></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l62vxPCtwyc/Wld2mi-mZXI/AAAAAAAAAsY/94siqPylvF85pn8DkBMU_ormHWYT29nVgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2017-12-31%2B15.51.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Shouldham with Harry & Nutmeg, breathing in the lovely scent of the pines, and throwing sticks for Harry to fetch (his favourite thing of all is when we throw the stick in the river, so he can jump in and find it), and kicking pine cones for Nutmeg to chase. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They each have their own little thing they like to do when we go to the woods, so it's fun for all. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Somehow we've also managed to find the time to take a few trips to the coast - on some of those rare but beautiful sunny days. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1qT2P7uwDLs/WpQubGKTK-I/AAAAAAAAAv8/I_v9PQ0be-sO8GGY3cMTyICqEYLyKArkwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2018-02-24%2B16.48.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1qT2P7uwDLs/WpQubGKTK-I/AAAAAAAAAv8/I_v9PQ0be-sO8GGY3cMTyICqEYLyKArkwCK4BGAYYCw/s200/2018-02-24%2B16.48.39.jpg" width="150" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Beach spoils</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I love breathing in the sea air ... but I particularly enjoy collecting shells and beachcombing. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bOE0YsbRlxU/WpQw0zEUQ2I/AAAAAAAAAwI/S5fTRI-CA1URcYNQ6lhRftQ3vCIEPwYnACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/study-in-green-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bOE0YsbRlxU/WpQw0zEUQ2I/AAAAAAAAAwI/S5fTRI-CA1URcYNQ6lhRftQ3vCIEPwYnACK4BGAYYCw/s200/study-in-green-5.png" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Study in Green</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last weekend I concentrated on finding the tiniest but perfectly formed shells. I found a lot, and Simon even joined in! I'm planning to sketch some of them and use use them as inspiration for my next silk painting.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Talking of which, it's been a busy time in the studio for both of us. We've recently added some new pieces to our </span><a href="http://bit.ly/2EWefPI" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Blended Monkey website</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. I've been concentrating a lot more on my silk painting too, as I've found that as soon as I finish one it's snapped up and I have nothing to put on the website. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--n_QWSgQdlo/WpQ498S4ixI/AAAAAAAAAxg/wglXP1DHdBw41hY_4zAAQRSPU_dxx7LOACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/silver-birch-egg-cups4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--n_QWSgQdlo/WpQ498S4ixI/AAAAAAAAAxg/wglXP1DHdBw41hY_4zAAQRSPU_dxx7LOACK4BGAYYCw/s200/silver-birch-egg-cups4.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Silver Birch Egg Cups</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The latest one can be found on our <a href="http://etsy.me/2EM9jRy">Etsy site</a>. It's a green silk scarf inspired by nature, and called "<a href="http://etsy.me/2EM9jRy">Study in Green</a>". </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGn3Eb7m1UM/WpQ5Z5ppT0I/AAAAAAAAAxo/UhZttqFgN8ITm4tioTXE-JBYgdq4hlI8wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/salt-pot-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGn3Eb7m1UM/WpQ5Z5ppT0I/AAAAAAAAAxo/UhZttqFgN8ITm4tioTXE-JBYgdq4hlI8wCK4BGAYYCw/s200/salt-pot-4.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Tilted Rippled Ash Salt Pot</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Simon's made a fab pair of <a href="http://etsy.me/2CnkFK7">silver birch egg cups</a>, which are also on our <a href="http://etsy.me/2CnkFK7">Etsy site</a>. These would make a quirky Easter gift.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our main <a href="http://bit.ly/2EWefPI">Blended Monkey </a>website has also been updated with some new items. Simon's <a href="http://bit.ly/2sZOGM0">Tilted Rippled Ash Salt Pot </a>is both beautiful and functional. The grain of the rippled ash is truly pretty. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KS-nV3S0xhk/WpQzznzUHzI/AAAAAAAAAwU/AoYjAMvGSykzCGgAL2VOojASyIxEDE-hwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Contorted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KS-nV3S0xhk/WpQzznzUHzI/AAAAAAAAAwU/AoYjAMvGSykzCGgAL2VOojASyIxEDE-hwCK4BGAYYCw/s200/Contorted.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Contorted</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Some of our more sculptural pieces are being featured on <a href="http://www.saatchiart.com/">www.saatchiart.com</a>. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm working on a collection of sculptural forms. The first piece is called <a href="http://bit.ly/2rPJJ7Q">"Contorted"</a>. I enjoyed making this piece, and I'm about to fire another piece for this collection.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We've sold a number of items this month, with a couple of pieces shipped to the United States!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With Mother's Day fast approaching, we're hoping to see more sales. All our pieces are one-offs & handmade, so they would make the perfect unique gift for anyone's mum.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We've received a number of enquiries about our </span><a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/artist-inspiration-days/4594159338" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Artist Inspiration Days</a>. <span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Word is getting around, so it'll be great to get some bookings for the summer. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've showcased some of our latest pieces at the bottom of this blog. We'd love to know what you think of them!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>View across the dunes at Hunstanton Beach</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-3-sgjsFdA/WpQ0bEdXsAI/AAAAAAAAAwg/EWVu6oI4gwgGGNXbh2CdivV_4oVt8ycRACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/ceramic-plate-%2526-egg-cup6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-3-sgjsFdA/WpQ0bEdXsAI/AAAAAAAAAwg/EWVu6oI4gwgGGNXbh2CdivV_4oVt8ycRACK4BGAYYCw/s200/ceramic-plate-%2526-egg-cup6.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://etsy.me/2HQ36lu">Wooden Egg Cup & Ceramic Heart Plate</a></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSLAF8VVY9U/Wld53HuFvgI/AAAAAAAAAs8/_fldwM5XEDE6i2HQtpfBtIrEWx-WCEF7QCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1916.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/571838102/ceramic-lovers-bowl-sweetheart-bowl?ref=shop_home_active_1">Ceramic Lovers Bowl</a></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hdKIDAt_ti8/WpQ0yfmrR6I/AAAAAAAAAwo/NrubPF7WCN8xCmrEXhqQdqjuuZWkt1yBgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/purple-heat-wood-box-with-ceramic-hearts-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hdKIDAt_ti8/WpQ0yfmrR6I/AAAAAAAAAwo/NrubPF7WCN8xCmrEXhqQdqjuuZWkt1yBgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/purple-heat-wood-box-with-ceramic-hearts-5.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/2HOumAK">Purple Heart Wooden Box with Ceramic Hearts</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KoGUMedrIM4/WpQ1MM1RqZI/AAAAAAAAAww/nsFdPQOpeiMtp_V1VhtzSNz0KJN0DxewgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Celadon-Green-Pot-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KoGUMedrIM4/WpQ1MM1RqZI/AAAAAAAAAww/nsFdPQOpeiMtp_V1VhtzSNz0KJN0DxewgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Celadon-Green-Pot-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/2Cl4exJ">Celadon Green Pot</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/shop/4591432908/ceramic-lovers-bowl/11262260">Ceramic Lovers Bowl</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gLMqqB55qEU/WpQ1i27SQ-I/AAAAAAAAAw4/5qXphleAGvsay-QkwnqyVn_TSaw2Hr_EgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Seascape-Plate.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/2ouV21a">Seascape Plate</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/2EUiNKv">Seascape Pot</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thanks again to all our customers and Twitterarti for their purchases, retweets and likes. If you fancy having a go at woodturning or you know someone who would, take a look at our </span><a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/woodturning-tuition/4594124962" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">woodturning tuition</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> sessions. Simon offers a one-to-one beginner's woodturning course, with a lovely rustic lunch included.</span><br />
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Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-61585622153335428972018-01-11T07:37:00.000-08:002018-01-11T07:37:15.929-08:00A Great Start to 2018!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzwxrCggAfk/Wld2z_k0t7I/AAAAAAAAAsg/majQ0eFxWbYbA-aH6y4_1lWdR8JwxNRkACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzwxrCggAfk/Wld2z_k0t7I/AAAAAAAAAsg/majQ0eFxWbYbA-aH6y4_1lWdR8JwxNRkACK4BGAYYCw/s200/IMG_1675.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3km7x9iLYXo/Wld1ueZdVzI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/rMYIBmbtuKcp5lRE9sF-fhU1A-Yag3S8QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2017-12-23%2B11.01.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3km7x9iLYXo/Wld1ueZdVzI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/rMYIBmbtuKcp5lRE9sF-fhU1A-Yag3S8QCK4BGAYYCw/s200/2017-12-23%2B11.01.44.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We have had a busy start to the new year.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l62vxPCtwyc/Wld2mi-mZXI/AAAAAAAAAsY/94siqPylvF85pn8DkBMU_ormHWYT29nVgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2017-12-31%2B15.51.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l62vxPCtwyc/Wld2mi-mZXI/AAAAAAAAAsY/94siqPylvF85pn8DkBMU_ormHWYT29nVgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/2017-12-31%2B15.51.55.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The garden continues to provide us with yummy parsnips and winter lettuce. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The leeks have been a little slow to take, but I'm hoping they will beef up a bit soon. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lQ4wWW70-k/Wld2-Ted6AI/AAAAAAAAAss/VaUFqcPOejUEkomZ3wyzbEoulQmxkL_TACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2017-12-31%2B15.51.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lQ4wWW70-k/Wld2-Ted6AI/AAAAAAAAAss/VaUFqcPOejUEkomZ3wyzbEoulQmxkL_TACK4BGAYYCw/s200/2017-12-31%2B15.51.04.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The flooding affected us a little too. The boat you see in these pictures is usually on dry land. Funnily enough, it looks quite happy in the flooded garden! However, we were lucky to have only minor wind damage - so that's all good.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We have been working hard prepping for our </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/artist-inspiration-days/4594159338">Artist Inspiration Days</a>, and ensuring that all the paperwork and the boring bits are in place. We are really looking forward to opening our garden to the public, and hopefully providing some inspiration for artwork and photography.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Simon has been working on various pieces over the last month or two. Here's a video of him doing some spindle turning. </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy9JR1PPKX7OH7d3vFHd6MdCEf5VXz_y7nGHcjvCYt5TaFnRsSiCAUgpZDbUIyVsURxJGepUjgQkpak-HsvZQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fancy a go at woodturning? Fancy buying a one- or two-day woodturning tuition voucher as a gift? Then look no further - simply click on </span><a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/woodturning-tuition/4594124962" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">woodturning tuition</a> <span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">for more information.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have also been rather busy, working on some new Valentine's Day ceramic pieces. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here are a few of them. Click on the caption to visit our site and find out more about the items. Some of them are featured on our <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/571838102/ceramic-lovers-bowl-sweetheart-bowl?ref=shop_home_active_1">Etsy site</a>, and some on our <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/clay-silk-wood/4591432906">blended monkey site</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/571838102/ceramic-lovers-bowl-sweetheart-bowl?ref=shop_home_active_1">Ceramic Lovers Bowl</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8vQsdc33BFU/Wld6yY8lxuI/AAAAAAAAAtM/BZGPW21CnGYOsMt85nxwhczSg38o3td_wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8vQsdc33BFU/Wld6yY8lxuI/AAAAAAAAAtM/BZGPW21CnGYOsMt85nxwhczSg38o3td_wCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1888.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/551604894/etched-blue-glazed-blossom-vase-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_4">Etched Blue-Glazed Blossom Vase</a></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/shop/4591432908/ceramic-lovers-bowl/11262260">Ceramic Lovers Bowl</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QA_kwS4SDCQ/Wld6lJ-ZieI/AAAAAAAAAtE/JkOkq1aZ2koAZWJAxDvHs2SfcRGKQyfmwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QA_kwS4SDCQ/Wld6lJ-ZieI/AAAAAAAAAtE/JkOkq1aZ2koAZWJAxDvHs2SfcRGKQyfmwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1894.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/553224950/heart-votive-tealight-holder-romantic?ref=shop_home_active_2">Heart Votive</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fgvFkL5WS0E/Wld7JCz8aeI/AAAAAAAAAtU/cNvJ-JKp-mstPsdSeYWhzIQVaCOTR-h9gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fgvFkL5WS0E/Wld7JCz8aeI/AAAAAAAAAtU/cNvJ-JKp-mstPsdSeYWhzIQVaCOTR-h9gCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1208.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/565378213/chinese-style-bowl-in-ash-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_3">Chinese-Style Bowl in Ash</a></span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last, but not least, we would like to say a big thank you to all our customers and Twitterarti for their purchases, retweets and likes. 2017 was a very busy but enjoyable year, and we are looking forward to 2018 being just as interesting! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We are hoping our <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/artist-inspiration-days/4594159338">Artist Inspiration Days</a> will be popular, and Simon is keen to get more <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/woodturning-tuition/4594124962">woodturning tuition</a> sessions booked in too. </span><br />
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Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-45939213023218579692017-12-31T08:54:00.003-08:002017-12-31T08:54:56.265-08:00Artist Inspiration Days<div class="p0" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 21px; max-height: 999999px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="c0" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-height: 999999px; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qxp4qtydgXM/WkkQf1JyssI/AAAAAAAAArE/P_gZSx31Wr0dVbMxD2C9q29b7Z2xeruzQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2016-07-23%2B09.38.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qxp4qtydgXM/WkkQf1JyssI/AAAAAAAAArE/P_gZSx31Wr0dVbMxD2C9q29b7Z2xeruzQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/2016-07-23%2B09.38.47.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: inherit;">Our home & studios are located in a small village on the Norfolk/Cambs border. When we moved here 3 years ago, the house & outbuildings needed a lot of love and care, but we were wowed by the beautiful garden. We had no idea that such a large, gorgeous garden was hidden behind the cottage.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tan6g3TUkHE/WkkQaMfeceI/AAAAAAAAAq8/GoKDGttoFtwXo4nFnp1E6YBLpht0l9YoQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2016-06-10%2B18.55.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tan6g3TUkHE/WkkQaMfeceI/AAAAAAAAAq8/GoKDGttoFtwXo4nFnp1E6YBLpht0l9YoQCK4BGAYYCw/s200/2016-06-10%2B18.55.27.jpg" width="110" /></a><span class="c0" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-height: 999999px; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="c0" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-height: 999999px; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The garden is such a gem that we think it is a real shame to keep it concealed from the public eye. Originally created by the previous owner, who was a ceramicist and artist, the garden has a number of little quirks and interesting hidden areas that provide great inspiration – it's a really arty venue. With two ponds, a boat, a little wooded area, a willow tunnel, a knot garden and a number of separate little garden sections, it boasts numerous vistas and interesting angles. Although there are some formal, established beds, we've ensured that plenty of the garden is still wild and rustic. The butterflies and bees love it! And we've spent many an hour taking photographs of its ever-changing seasonal views.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: inherit;">The garden provides us with great inspiration. My husband, Simon, is a woodturner, and his workshop looks out over the garden. I am a ceramicist and silk painter, and my pottery studio looks out over the hot garden which is located right next to the house. The constantly changing seasons in the garden have given me some great design ideas too.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcO2ta3gvJU/WkkRbilQPyI/AAAAAAAAArg/pWDygwjL3NMi_zXNv2pe2N2SVu24cN2sgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_8731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcO2ta3gvJU/WkkRbilQPyI/AAAAAAAAArg/pWDygwjL3NMi_zXNv2pe2N2SVu24cN2sgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/IMG_8731.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="c0" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-height: 999999px; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We think art groups, drawing clubs and photography clubs would really enjoy a setting like this which offers so much inspiration. So, we're offering a 5-hour package for groups of 10 or more people to come and enjoy, draw, paint and wander. The gardens are totally private, so they have not been, and are not, open to the general public.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: inherit;">The package includes access to the entire garden, a rustic lunch served in the marquee at the bottom of the garden, and refreshments available to purchase. There are also toilet facilities. The garden offers various seating areas and we've also got a number of picnic blankets which can be used to sit on anywhere in the garden. We recommended booking from 10 am – 3 pm, as this will ensure the best possible lighting too. We would aim to serve lunch at 12.30 pm.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gO2v5LETxd8/WkkS453R3cI/AAAAAAAAAr0/287YC9OIzuUAKfT63mf-kCILAW7N5yUMACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2015-06-05%2B09.47.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gO2v5LETxd8/WkkS453R3cI/AAAAAAAAAr0/287YC9OIzuUAKfT63mf-kCILAW7N5yUMACK4BGAYYCw/s200/2015-06-05%2B09.47.09.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="c0" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-height: 999999px; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">If your art or photography club is interested, please take a look at our <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/artist-inspiration-days/4594159338?preview=Y;use_flash=1">Artist Inspiration Days</a> page on our <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.com/">website </a>for more information and photographs of the garden. </span></span></div>
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<span class="c0" style="border: 0px; color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-height: 999999px; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Email </span><span class="c1" style="border: 0px; color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-height: 999999px; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="mailto:artistinspirations@blendedmonkey.co.uk" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-height: 999999px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self">artistinspirations@blendedmonkey.co.uk</a></span><span class="c2" style="border: 0px; color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-height: 999999px; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"> or </span></div>
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<span class="c3" style="border: 0px; color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-height: 999999px; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/get-in-touch/4591432907?preview=Y" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-height: 999999px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self">phone us</a></span><span class="c4" style="border: 0px; color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-height: 999999px; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"> so we can arrange a date that suits and discuss any requirements.</span></div>
Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-36405345166541510322017-12-10T05:36:00.003-08:002017-12-10T06:51:48.521-08:00Wintery Scene<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ievzc_Mal8o/Wi03mMrla8I/AAAAAAAAAqU/CH03YSjKUZEH5Jdn8W8LBDvntKF3LZ5cQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2017-12-10%2B09.58.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ievzc_Mal8o/Wi03mMrla8I/AAAAAAAAAqU/CH03YSjKUZEH5Jdn8W8LBDvntKF3LZ5cQCK4BGAYYCw/s200/2017-12-10%2B09.58.53.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pagqdtjB54w/Wi0yCbkd4ZI/AAAAAAAAAoU/76rGoqZlm3k_h1MNEE4tG6xVEo7MqMGqgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2017-12-10%2B09.57.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pagqdtjB54w/Wi0yCbkd4ZI/AAAAAAAAAoU/76rGoqZlm3k_h1MNEE4tG6xVEo7MqMGqgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/2017-12-10%2B09.57.54.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Well, we woke up this morning to a truly festive, winter wonderland. </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Harry & Nutmeg are really loving the snow! The garden is carpeted in about 2 inches of the stuff, and we´re planning on building a few snowmen after lunch.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Since our last blog, we´ve been busy in our studios, preparing more pieces for Christmas. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BlendedMonkey" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Etsy shop</a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> is stocking most of our festive bits and bobs, including </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/567025345/tealight-holder-christmas-festive?ref=shop_home_active_7" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">tealight holders</a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/552951936/trio-of-ceramic-christmas-stars-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_13" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">ceramic Christmas star decorations</a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/566749927/little-mr-mrs-wooden-snowman-snowmen?ref=shop_home_active_12" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">wooden snowmen</a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/555033348/large-ceramic-snowflake-decoration?ref=shop_home_active_5" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">large ceramic snowflakes</a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our </span><a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">blendedmonkey </a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">site has some new ceramic additions, my ceramic <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/shop/4591432908/the-spaces-between-dish/11250943">Spaces Between Dish</a>, for example, (you´ll be seeing more of this design in the future). I´ve also added my <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/shop/4591432908/sea-kissed-vessel/11250927">Sea-Kissed Vessel</a> and the <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/shop/4591432908/sea-to-shore-bowl/11250945">Sea to Shore Bowl</a>, which is part of the Seascape collection. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sea to Shore Bowl</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Spaces Between Dish</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mj03p6-ZAak/Wi0ygWJQ9vI/AAAAAAAAAo0/Is4xyju0eqscn3KkvNaAMmLLBO0IagH4wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Large-ceramic-snowflake-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mj03p6-ZAak/Wi0ygWJQ9vI/AAAAAAAAAo0/Is4xyju0eqscn3KkvNaAMmLLBO0IagH4wCK4BGAYYCw/s200/Large-ceramic-snowflake-4.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ceramic Snowflake</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Tc8uz9Mdb4/Wi02Ma5dKPI/AAAAAAAAAp0/VlUT9on7LpYH3meewfBT4xCJr6NHD5vLACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2017-12-03%2B17.25.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Tc8uz9Mdb4/Wi02Ma5dKPI/AAAAAAAAAp0/VlUT9on7LpYH3meewfBT4xCJr6NHD5vLACK4BGAYYCw/s200/2017-12-03%2B17.25.03.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TO89iq3qiJY/Wi02AeAdacI/AAAAAAAAAps/Ft9c5RhiSlISxNcSrUufd4KiYCsgxUYNACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2017-12-02%2B12.31.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TO89iq3qiJY/Wi02AeAdacI/AAAAAAAAAps/Ft9c5RhiSlISxNcSrUufd4KiYCsgxUYNACK4BGAYYCw/s320/2017-12-02%2B12.31.32.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9hZINLVcbc/Wi015XO5XXI/AAAAAAAAApk/l_jlLEIknKE-q-0UX3LZ2gqMcCY0MzTVACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2017-12-01%2B18.26.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9hZINLVcbc/Wi015XO5XXI/AAAAAAAAApk/l_jlLEIknKE-q-0UX3LZ2gqMcCY0MzTVACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2017-12-01%2B18.26.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9hZINLVcbc/Wi015XO5XXI/AAAAAAAAApk/l_jlLEIknKE-q-0UX3LZ2gqMcCY0MzTVACK4BGAYYCw/s200/2017-12-01%2B18.26.28.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last weekend we took a trip to Munich to take in the Christmas markets, warm ourselves on the odd mug or two of Glühwein and visit some old friends. </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I lived in Munich for a long time (my daughter was born there), so it was nice to catch up with people again and take in the atmosphere</span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now really is the best time to visit Germany; oozing with lots of festive spirit. You can´t beat the Munich Marienplatz Weihnachtsmarkt for that quintessential Christmassy feeling. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We also visited castle Neuschwanstein, which was breathtakingly beautiful, set in its snowy wonderland. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A good time was had by all, but the visit was far too short.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I can´t imagine I´ll get the chance to blog again before Christmas, so myself and Simon (Blended Monkey) would like to wish you all a </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <b><span style="font-size: large;">Very Merry Christmas and a Healthy & Happy New Year!</span></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-25215799528329971112017-11-25T09:17:00.002-08:002018-01-11T07:15:02.937-08:00A Great Start to 2018<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzwxrCggAfk/Wld2z_k0t7I/AAAAAAAAAsg/majQ0eFxWbYbA-aH6y4_1lWdR8JwxNRkACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzwxrCggAfk/Wld2z_k0t7I/AAAAAAAAAsg/majQ0eFxWbYbA-aH6y4_1lWdR8JwxNRkACK4BGAYYCw/s200/IMG_1675.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3km7x9iLYXo/Wld1ueZdVzI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/rMYIBmbtuKcp5lRE9sF-fhU1A-Yag3S8QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2017-12-23%2B11.01.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3km7x9iLYXo/Wld1ueZdVzI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/rMYIBmbtuKcp5lRE9sF-fhU1A-Yag3S8QCK4BGAYYCw/s200/2017-12-23%2B11.01.44.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We have had a busy start to the new year.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l62vxPCtwyc/Wld2mi-mZXI/AAAAAAAAAsY/94siqPylvF85pn8DkBMU_ormHWYT29nVgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2017-12-31%2B15.51.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l62vxPCtwyc/Wld2mi-mZXI/AAAAAAAAAsY/94siqPylvF85pn8DkBMU_ormHWYT29nVgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/2017-12-31%2B15.51.55.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The garden continues to provide us with yummy parsnips and winter lettuce. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The leeks have been a little slow to take, but I'm hoping they will beef up a bit soon. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lQ4wWW70-k/Wld2-Ted6AI/AAAAAAAAAss/VaUFqcPOejUEkomZ3wyzbEoulQmxkL_TACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2017-12-31%2B15.51.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lQ4wWW70-k/Wld2-Ted6AI/AAAAAAAAAss/VaUFqcPOejUEkomZ3wyzbEoulQmxkL_TACK4BGAYYCw/s200/2017-12-31%2B15.51.04.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The flooding affected us a little too. The boat you see in these pictures is usually on dry land. Funnily enough, it looks quite happy in the flooded garden! However, we were lucky to have only minor wind damage - so that's all good.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We have been working hard prepping for our </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/artist-inspiration-days/4594159338">Artist Inspiration Days</a>, and ensuring that all the paperwork and the boring bits are in place. We are really looking forward to opening our garden to the public, and hopefully providing some inspiration for artwork and photography.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Simon has been working on various pieces over the last month or two. Here's a video of him doing some spindle turning. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fancy a go at woodturning? Fancy buying a one- or two-day woodturning tuition voucher as a gift? Then look no further - simply click on </span><a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/woodturning-tuition/4594124962" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">woodturning tuition</a> <span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">for more information.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have also been rather busy, working on some new Valentine's Day ceramic pieces. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here are a few of them. Click on the caption to visit our site and find out more about the items. Some of them are featured on our <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/571838102/ceramic-lovers-bowl-sweetheart-bowl?ref=shop_home_active_1">Etsy site</a>, and some on our <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/clay-silk-wood/4591432906">blended monkey site</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/571838102/ceramic-lovers-bowl-sweetheart-bowl?ref=shop_home_active_1">Ceramic Lovers Bowl</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8vQsdc33BFU/Wld6yY8lxuI/AAAAAAAAAtM/BZGPW21CnGYOsMt85nxwhczSg38o3td_wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8vQsdc33BFU/Wld6yY8lxuI/AAAAAAAAAtM/BZGPW21CnGYOsMt85nxwhczSg38o3td_wCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1888.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/551604894/etched-blue-glazed-blossom-vase-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_4">Etched Blue-Glazed Blossom Vase</a></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_ZsniXJ-ZQ/Wld7jX1OgUI/AAAAAAAAAts/RbSn2cSnSCg-8OiF8bZNhI4MIBFvlEo4ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_ZsniXJ-ZQ/Wld7jX1OgUI/AAAAAAAAAts/RbSn2cSnSCg-8OiF8bZNhI4MIBFvlEo4ACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1921.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/shop/4591432908/ceramic-lovers-bowl/11262260">Ceramic Lovers Bowl</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/553224950/heart-votive-tealight-holder-romantic?ref=shop_home_active_2">Heart Votive</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/565378213/chinese-style-bowl-in-ash-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_3">Chinese-Style Bowl in Ash</a></span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last, but not least, we would like to say a big thank you to all our customers and Twitterarti for their purchases, retweets and likes. 2017 was a very busy but enjoyable year, and we are looking forward to 2018 being just as interesting! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We are hoping our <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/artist-inspiration-days/4594159338">Artist Inspiration Days</a> will be popular, and Simon is keen to get more <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/woodturning-tuition/4594124962">woodturning tuition</a> sessions booked in too. </span><br />
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<br />Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-74635004858858746712017-06-14T08:33:00.001-07:002017-06-14T08:33:20.268-07:00Gardening & Photography<img height="16" id="r1szjqtj2n7g" src="data:image/gif;base64,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" width="16" /><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Gardening & Photography</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJFiXTp1-QM/WUFSgZBXq1I/AAAAAAAAAlE/1yUBE930pYIdrzX7L-0BGATiqm_--K-NgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJFiXTp1-QM/WUFSgZBXq1I/AAAAAAAAAlE/1yUBE930pYIdrzX7L-0BGATiqm_--K-NgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0667.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It´s been a few weeks since our last blog, as we´ve been majorly busy in the garden most weekends, and have also been designing some new collections to encompass silk, clay & wood. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The vegetable patch and fruit cage are coming along really well, and there are plenty of strawberries under the netting, just waiting to ripen. The netting should stop the birds getting to them before we do!</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We´ve had a glut of radishes and I´m picking spinach every day to go in salads and sauces. It´s great to grow your own :-).</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fzi-HFrx7W8/WUFTlE1e4WI/AAAAAAAAAlU/lQc7JY8rKGghYx3CNJ5decHembHW1T-SgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fzi-HFrx7W8/WUFTlE1e4WI/AAAAAAAAAlU/lQc7JY8rKGghYx3CNJ5decHembHW1T-SgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/IMG_0633.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbMkkEYMufM/WUFTQOMNz8I/AAAAAAAAAlM/2R7qD-i7xBQpIwXwfVpAVLzOrLn4VMq6QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbMkkEYMufM/WUFTQOMNz8I/AAAAAAAAAlM/2R7qD-i7xBQpIwXwfVpAVLzOrLn4VMq6QCK4BGAYYCw/s200/IMG_0630.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I´ve been deadheading all the roses to promote new growth and blooms. We´re having such a good display this year, and I´m bringing a lot of flowers into the house for the vases too. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwemmIum9Bs/WUFT_U1liuI/AAAAAAAAAlc/fc1PEnI9YzoOEwjoBV7q7j6hm47u5ds-wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2017-05-30%2B13.53.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwemmIum9Bs/WUFT_U1liuI/AAAAAAAAAlc/fc1PEnI9YzoOEwjoBV7q7j6hm47u5ds-wCK4BGAYYCw/s200/2017-05-30%2B13.53.23.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U0K2VE1wXkc/WUFUD6suN6I/AAAAAAAAAlk/v35az41nu1caxElxj8HbktBGtua2ft8RwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2017-05-31%2B14.06.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U0K2VE1wXkc/WUFUD6suN6I/AAAAAAAAAlk/v35az41nu1caxElxj8HbktBGtua2ft8RwCK4BGAYYCw/s200/2017-05-31%2B14.06.27.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We´ve also had a lovely show of opium poppies. I don´t recall there being quite so many last year, so the seed has obviously spread well and we´ve been given a great performance. I just love the rich pinks and purples of these gorgeous flowers.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We´ll post some more photos of the garden in the next blog. We´re taking so many shots at the moment, because the garden just seems to keep on giving :-).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you´ve visited our site <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/">www.blendedmonkey.co.uk</a> lately, you might have noticed that under the "Gallery" tab there are now two areas; one for "Clay, Silk & Wood", and the other for "Photography - Prints & Products". </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The photography section will take you to an area where you can buy our photos and have them put on various products. We´ve often been asked if some of our shots are for sale, so we thought we´d use the <a href="http://www.fineartamerica.com/">www.fineartamerica.com </a>site to host them. We´ve had quite a bit of interest from customers in the USA.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last week we sold "<a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/shop/4591432908/a-cut-above/10992503">A Cut Above</a>", one of our blended pieces. Its new owner is apparently very happy with it and it has been given pride of place in their recently redecorated bedroom :-).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-45447118122792228712017-05-29T09:14:00.000-07:002017-05-29T09:14:07.137-07:00Bank Holiday Busyness!<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Bank Holiday Busyness!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXpXGgBqY-g/WSxDdTu4CMI/AAAAAAAAAjk/j6OnT-PtLj8spON1GfBt_QqllBkVjAragCLcB/s1600/2017-05-27%2B13.05.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXpXGgBqY-g/WSxDdTu4CMI/AAAAAAAAAjk/j6OnT-PtLj8spON1GfBt_QqllBkVjAragCLcB/s320/2017-05-27%2B13.05.59.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Well, it´s certainly been a very busy Bank Holiday weekend. </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Haven´t exactly relaxed all that much, even though we´d promised ourselves we would. We´ve been waiting for a couple of good weather days so that we could finally get the outside of Simon´s workshop painted. We thought it would look a lot nicer to have it green rather than the plain wood colour it was before. Also makes it blend into the surroundings a little better.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMrViCylVOE/WSxELXSdlLI/AAAAAAAAAj4/EfFN0-xyxeYRKFPyGpIcEJcXvIFh1yeyACK4B/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMrViCylVOE/WSxELXSdlLI/AAAAAAAAAj4/EfFN0-xyxeYRKFPyGpIcEJcXvIFh1yeyACK4B/s200/IMG_0634.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iUef9dBx30s/WSxEBLoNzGI/AAAAAAAAAjw/z-33Pr5JZJMML5ipVuiNu0LTjh8Vpx1rQCK4B/s1600/IMG_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iUef9dBx30s/WSxEBLoNzGI/AAAAAAAAAjw/z-33Pr5JZJMML5ipVuiNu0LTjh8Vpx1rQCK4B/s200/IMG_0630.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And all this good weather has really benefited the rose garden too - it´s looking so lush and lovely. </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Shame I can´t capture the gorgeous, heady scent and share it with you here! </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I guess all that pruning in winter did it some good too. I´ll just have to keep on top of dead-heading the flowers as they go over, and then hopefully we´ll see blooms for some months to come. </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was never particularly "into" roses until Simon and I moved here a few years ago. The previous owner, Pauline, had planted this semi-circular rose garden many years ago, and I was actually quite taken with it when we looked around the property the first time. We´ve done our best to keep it pruned and tended ever since.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We´ve been posting on Twitter fairly regularly, so feel free to have a nose <a href="https://twitter.com/@blended_monkey">@blended_monkey</a>.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And we recently put some new pieces up on our <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/">site</a>. Here are a few of them; just click on the captions to take you to our site - hope you enjoy! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/shop/4591432908/pair-of-blue-washed-oval-bowls/11161233">Pair of Blue-Washed Oval Bowls</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgABWB8Cx2A/WSxGdJBolVI/AAAAAAAAAkw/YKaItkzChto5RgSXv0U-TQnPhToPEwHygCK4B/s1600/IMG_0452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgABWB8Cx2A/WSxGdJBolVI/AAAAAAAAAkw/YKaItkzChto5RgSXv0U-TQnPhToPEwHygCK4B/s320/IMG_0452.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/shop/4591432908/round-bottomed-pot/11161197">Round-Bottomed Pot</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYVG9mvJnqA/WSxF1r_UfiI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/Id7kuoJnKjo1CA9g5X0yETNcC7oQObcMQCK4B/s1600/IMG_0507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYVG9mvJnqA/WSxF1r_UfiI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/Id7kuoJnKjo1CA9g5X0yETNcC7oQObcMQCK4B/s200/IMG_0507.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/shop/4591432908/cluster-of-hearts/11161219">Cluster of Hearts</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/shop/4591432908/seascape-bowl/11161194">Seascape Bowl</a></b></span></td></tr>
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Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-32287140017259809982017-05-20T08:27:00.002-07:002017-05-20T08:27:38.951-07:00Busy Week<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hi there!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Sculpture - it all starts <br />with a block of clay </b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It´s been a busy week for us. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sw47EDn8A_A/WSBZFuMyrvI/AAAAAAAAAik/xh01s5lK71sAO2klx4sVRoSc1JlwtPl1ACLcB/s1600/lilac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sw47EDn8A_A/WSBZFuMyrvI/AAAAAAAAAik/xh01s5lK71sAO2klx4sVRoSc1JlwtPl1ACLcB/s200/lilac.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I´ve been concentrating on various projects in the studio </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(mainly hand-building work) and these include a sculpture </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">that I´m working on which has been inspired by the cliff caves in Cornwall. I used to spend a lot of my art school days on the Cornish beaches, and they provided me with a great deal of inspiration.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is very much a work in progress, and I´m currently waiting for it to dry out completely so that I can then sand it and prep it for the biscuit firing. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Sculpture - still more <br />work to do, but <br />it´s getting there</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of my other projects will be part of our latest collection called "Meadowscape". The plate I´m working on has been provided with several coats of slip and then the Meadowscape design scratched (scraffito) into it. There are many more processes to go through and lots of coats of underglaze to apply, but I´ll keep you posted on the progress. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3EqhzjVzhaM/WSBXHGctrGI/AAAAAAAAAiY/U2RGYUblmj4ksW7ng7dMSf2Bu0-NYRdywCLcB/s1600/round-bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3EqhzjVzhaM/WSBXHGctrGI/AAAAAAAAAiY/U2RGYUblmj4ksW7ng7dMSf2Bu0-NYRdywCLcB/s200/round-bowl.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Simon hasn´t been able to do much in his workshop over the last week or so, as he has recently had eye surgery and therefore has to stay out of dusty environments. However, the piece he started working on before his operation is a replica of one of my ceramic bowls (see here on the left) which </span><br />
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It will then be used together with a ceramic base which I have already prepared. Should be an interesting, sculptural piece when it´s finished.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fbr7lEUwM54/WSBZmzELwyI/AAAAAAAAAis/3liiHOduW_Y7m9vV4RAQ5KpP98o9oQnYACLcB/s1600/knot-garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fbr7lEUwM54/WSBZmzELwyI/AAAAAAAAAis/3liiHOduW_Y7m9vV4RAQ5KpP98o9oQnYACLcB/s200/knot-garden.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The garden has been thriving! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The knot garden did need a prune though, and it´s a rather painstaking job. Still, it always looks great afterwards, and the wisteria which acts as a canopy for the bench at the back of the knot garden is doing really well this year too, especially as we had to give it a hard prune last autumn. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y2TsnqlcFjg/WSBcvVYzilI/AAAAAAAAAjM/yHEcrZ-ZoCgmUyhj99quvVVtdCxPz1upwCLcB/s1600/2017-05-12%2B17.50.57%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y2TsnqlcFjg/WSBcvVYzilI/AAAAAAAAAjM/yHEcrZ-ZoCgmUyhj99quvVVtdCxPz1upwCLcB/s320/2017-05-12%2B17.50.57%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our first iris of the year</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zumvSb5a9Ik/WSBbGS_buNI/AAAAAAAAAi8/POK-z00UntUnpDAQbzVajOqE0TaDPkBzQCLcB/s1600/wisteria-canopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zumvSb5a9Ik/WSBbGS_buNI/AAAAAAAAAi8/POK-z00UntUnpDAQbzVajOqE0TaDPkBzQCLcB/s320/wisteria-canopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Wisteria growing as a canopy over the bench</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our first iris popped up at the start of the week (here on the right), in all its beautiful glory! It was then followed by a whole host of them. They´re looking stunning this year. Hope you enjoy the shots of them ... </span><br />
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Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-85270232646529281942017-05-13T07:00:00.000-07:002017-05-14T02:38:50.217-07:00Our Beautiful Peonies<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Our Beautiful Peonies</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hi again!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In case you guys have not seen our Twitter posts <a href="http://twitter.com/@blended_monkey">@blended_monkey</a>, we thought we´d share with you some photos of the gorgeous peonies that keep cropping up in the main garden. They´ve appeared almost over night. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We inherited our lovely, very established garden when we bought our house two and a half years ago. The garden is set in 1.2 acres and includes two large ponds - one is more of a wild pond that plays host to countless frogs, fish and also various plant varieties, while the other is located close to the house in our "hot garden" and is a raised, formal pond. We believe this one dates back to when the house was originally a pub back in the 1600s. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The garden was lovingly planted by its previous owner some 20 or so years ago, and it´s a real hidden gem. We´ve been surprised at how many people in the village have said that they had no idea our house had such a large and beautiful garden concealed behind it. I must admit, when we first viewed the house we were also quite shocked when we saw it. It´s hard work to maintain, but we really love it, and it provides us both with creative inspiration. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Although there are some formal elements to the garden, including a Victorian-style knot garden, the "purple garden" which has been planted with purple roses and lavender, and a formal semicircular rose garden, we have allowed a lot of the beds to be fairly natural. We don´t want to spend hours every week weeding ... we want to enjoy the garden and also encourage wildlife to enjoy it too - so the odd patch of nettles here are there really doesn´t bother us.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Anyway, here are some shots of the peonies as promised 😁</span><br />
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Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-56154083109723578932017-05-07T06:00:00.000-07:002017-05-07T06:00:20.109-07:00Our Curious Little Robin´s Nest<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Our Curious Little Robin´s Nest</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A few weeks ago I walked into my greenhouse/potting shed and went to move the pink metal watering can that´s hanging rather precariously from a small hook just inside the doorway - luckily I didn´t just grab it, because I saw that it had twigs poking out of the top.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C2XgCw1pCtQ/WQyQdwk8_OI/AAAAAAAAAf0/9r057Q7QwQUF4S1NUhCJBDoMfF09-aIowCK4B/s1600/2017-04-23%2B19.25.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C2XgCw1pCtQ/WQyQdwk8_OI/AAAAAAAAAf0/9r057Q7QwQUF4S1NUhCJBDoMfF09-aIowCK4B/s320/2017-04-23%2B19.25.49.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Upon further scrutiny, I realised it contained a nest ...</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and this nest was housing a, considering the circumstances, rather chilled looking robin who was peeking out at me with its beedy little eyes. She/He (we´ll go with "she" for ease) was hunkered down in a beautifully made mossy structure that she had evidently been creating beforehand without me even realising. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">However, in the weeks prior to this, I had noticed a little robin hanging around my greenhouse/potting shed. She would fly in and out while I was busily sowing seeds and potting up plants, and didn´t seem to mind my company. Although I would never have expected her to make a nest in my metal watering can that is suspended rather dangerously from a small hook right next to the door. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_dIyemMsR0/WQyRoeFk2VI/AAAAAAAAAgA/Ec4Vsw7FTgEX0pkIuJ_Y1uQ5QbHRFunwwCK4B/s1600/2017-04-23%2B19.25.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_dIyemMsR0/WQyRoeFk2VI/AAAAAAAAAgA/Ec4Vsw7FTgEX0pkIuJ_Y1uQ5QbHRFunwwCK4B/s200/2017-04-23%2B19.25.34.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like most people, we have numerous robins in the garden, and they are renowned for their inquisitiveness. Quite often I´ll be digging or hoeing and will be overcome by the feeling that I´m being watched by something or someone ... I´ll look up and usually find that I´m being spied on by a little robin ... or sometimes two of them. They are, of course, </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">waiting for me to dig up something yummy for them to eat; or they´ll hang around the compost heap to see what delights I might be throwing on it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, without further ado, we moved the wildlife camera that we usually have out in the main garden and have positioned it on the staging opposite the opening to the watering can. </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We´ve counted around six little beaks opening when we´ve had a peek inside, but we´re always very careful to keep our distance.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw3P7f5uIC9gwiN1-eZcCVLO_AeYEMPBhL8nmN5OcivtSGPpjNDa5KP37z0g-s154TI-6xPPd5GdZU--5If7Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Over the past week we´ve caught various bits of footage, including this snippet here where the robin does a little loop before flying off to get food and then returning with it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We´ll keep you posted on the progress of the baby robins. We´re just hoping that mummy robin hasn´t made a poor choice in terms of the location - as it gets quite hot in that metal watering can and it can also get buffeted around when it´s windy. </span><br />
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Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0Norfolk, UK52.6139686 0.8864020999999411351.9977671 -0.40449140000005879 53.2301701 2.1772955999999413tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-39354152387122192212017-05-05T02:42:00.002-07:002017-05-05T02:45:13.272-07:00Successful Firing<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Successful Firing </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The recently biscuit-fired pieces have now been subjected to a 1250°C glaze firing, and the results are fairly good.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiggdjNgW4I/WQw6Y6AA-DI/AAAAAAAAAfk/ln2uGWaquGovMeWLCa_lVWb3gP-SrWkEgCEw/s1600/2017-05-03%2B18.08.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiggdjNgW4I/WQw6Y6AA-DI/AAAAAAAAAfk/ln2uGWaquGovMeWLCa_lVWb3gP-SrWkEgCEw/s400/2017-05-03%2B18.08.11.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pleasing glaze "accident" - crystalline effect from glass beads I dropped <br />onto the glaze prior to firing</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You never quite know how a firing is going to go - it´s always a bit of a nerve-racking experience!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Most of the pieces were originally underglazed in the biscuit firing and then provided with a transparent glaze for this final firing; and a few of the pieces had not been underglazed and were coated with glazes after they had been biscuit fired. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The process in pictures:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqaT0tTy8Tk/WQw6J7tEZSI/AAAAAAAAAfM/RHDl5P4eD0APQPErk1qSA3JuCzq6WJL8ACLcB/s1600/2017-05-02%2B13.54.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqaT0tTy8Tk/WQw6J7tEZSI/AAAAAAAAAfM/RHDl5P4eD0APQPErk1qSA3JuCzq6WJL8ACLcB/s200/2017-05-02%2B13.54.45.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Mixing the glaze</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xU7i-7RzlP0/WQw6J3uSOoI/AAAAAAAAAfI/RwOw9hksPVY_6QN6EQmme4HNxETMXJSsQCLcB/s1600/2017-05-02%2B13.54.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xU7i-7RzlP0/WQw6J3uSOoI/AAAAAAAAAfI/RwOw9hksPVY_6QN6EQmme4HNxETMXJSsQCLcB/s200/2017-05-02%2B13.54.49.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Applying the glaze</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bL3W8HJoN5w/WQw6G0UajSI/AAAAAAAAAfE/yyzo30RNSLINrcjB6EYRDEj3tzSeQ6LZQCLcB/s1600/2017-05-02%2B14.59.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bL3W8HJoN5w/WQw6G0UajSI/AAAAAAAAAfE/yyzo30RNSLINrcjB6EYRDEj3tzSeQ6LZQCLcB/s200/2017-05-02%2B14.59.26.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Glazed pieces in the kiln</b></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXBPDFBzFkI/WQw6UJ5bTdI/AAAAAAAAAfY/-OeXF_b0Gu0FmGKD_fQrdSaiZ0hZj7blwCLcB/s1600/2017-05-02%2B15.06.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXBPDFBzFkI/WQw6UJ5bTdI/AAAAAAAAAfY/-OeXF_b0Gu0FmGKD_fQrdSaiZ0hZj7blwCLcB/s200/2017-05-02%2B15.06.48.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Setting the kiln</span></b></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYPJiYvn8ko/WQw6R61qmwI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/q3FJqIKQ2wUKgGFMUpfIvPQxGUu1saigQCLcB/s1600/2017-05-02%2B15.04.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYPJiYvn8ko/WQw6R61qmwI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/q3FJqIKQ2wUKgGFMUpfIvPQxGUu1saigQCLcB/s200/2017-05-02%2B15.04.41.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Kiln closed & ready</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Really pleased with my <br />"seascape" piece</span></b></td></tr>
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Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-41325425057269672872017-05-03T05:29:00.000-07:002017-05-03T05:41:37.646-07:00We´re Back ...<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>We´re Back ...</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">... after what seems like an age!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We´ve got a new website now <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/">www.blendedmonkey.co.uk</a>, and made some new pieces, with a lot more emphasis on blending our disciplines of wood, clay and silk. Take a look at the site and see what you think. There´s more to be added, but we´re getting there. Feel free to follow us too <a href="https://twitter.com/blended_monkey">@blended_monkey</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blendedmonkey">facebook.com/blendedmonkey</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here are a few of our latest creations:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Lost at Sea</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">A Cut Above</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-grmqaiERZJU/WLvux2S7j8I/AAAAAAAAAPE/fGACIB0wuhkxyMpG0wFRF6aPTo5B01gfQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-grmqaiERZJU/WLvux2S7j8I/AAAAAAAAAPE/fGACIB0wuhkxyMpG0wFRF6aPTo5B01gfQCLcB/s200/IMG_9174.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Natural Edged Vase</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Heart Votive Vase</span></b></td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qh94b9IZe9E/WLvuq2F5Q4I/AAAAAAAAAO4/uIhw3hlu2Soz2VBXEbkiwDOuCB0euF6jQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qh94b9IZe9E/WLvuq2F5Q4I/AAAAAAAAAO4/uIhw3hlu2Soz2VBXEbkiwDOuCB0euF6jQCLcB/s320/IMG_9131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-62317001513683781502017-05-01T11:35:00.003-07:002017-05-01T11:37:10.649-07:00Blickling Bluebells & Farm Park in Norfolk<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Blickling Bluebells & Farm Park in Norfolk</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwmXjcNltAY/WQd3uL-PFKI/AAAAAAAAATU/DzjDWJ-n904rgGxVpCR4cZML5t_385qrACK4B/s1600/IMG_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwmXjcNltAY/WQd3uL-PFKI/AAAAAAAAATU/DzjDWJ-n904rgGxVpCR4cZML5t_385qrACK4B/s320/IMG_0398.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We chose the perfect time to visit Blickling Hall and see those famous bluebell woods in their full glory. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After taking a 30-minute-or-so walk up to the main woodland area, we were met with a stunning wash of blue, with carpets of bluebells spreading far and wide amongst the gnarly trees.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We were fairly lucky with the weather; it was windy but we managed to dodge the rain, & even had the odd stint of sunshine.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After a good trek around the woods and massive intake of fresh air, we headed back to the café in the grounds and had a bite of lunch.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our daughter had mentioned that she´d like to feed some lambs, and, as it´s the ideal time of year to do so, we headed over to the farm park in Snettisham where she did indeed feed some orphan lambs (so sweet!) and had a stroke of a calf. </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A good day was had by all!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-23562324558782841932017-04-28T09:01:00.001-07:002017-04-28T09:01:27.961-07:00Happy Bank Holiday Weekend!<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Happy Bank Holiday Weekend!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hopefully Simon & I will get the opportunity to grab a few hours in our respective studios this weekend as we´ve been given an extra day.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Simon´s working on some pieces that we can put on our new Etsy shop. We don´t really want to open it with just a few items, and we´d rather not take pieces out of our own online shop, so we´re both going to be fairly busy this weekend creating some more stuff 😊.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">However, in order to get some more inspiration, we´ll be out and about too, depending on the weather, so I can take some photos (which I love doing) as reference for more pieces. The weather´s been pretty good to us today, although I haven´t had much of a chance to enjoy it, so here´s hoping it stays nice for the weekend too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Simon & I have been working on designs for a new series of multimedia wall hangings which will include all three materials - clay, wood and silk. We´ll keep you posted ...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Hope you all have a lovely weekend!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-40950288309028494842017-04-21T08:22:00.001-07:002017-05-03T05:28:44.718-07:00Successful Biscuit Firing!<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Successful Biscuit Firing!</b></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kF0nZ87U0iM/WPoc4OJ9T3I/AAAAAAAAARs/6DIC5lzYDG8V-UkgfL45h0-LEo-a0fO4ACK4B/s1600/2017-04-15%2B16.47.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kF0nZ87U0iM/WPoc4OJ9T3I/AAAAAAAAARs/6DIC5lzYDG8V-UkgfL45h0-LEo-a0fO4ACK4B/s200/2017-04-15%2B16.47.36.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yes, thankfully the biscuit firing turned out well. No cracks or glaze seepage 😅.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It can be the case that you spend hours on end making and then glazing a piece, only to lose it instantly with a dodgy firing. This was a slow, low biscuit firing at around 950°C, and I´m really pleased with the underglaze colours (some of which I was trying for the first time).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The piece that has taken me an absolute age to carve and glaze using various methods, including scraffito, has come out really well considering the bowl itself is reasonably thick. It´s part of our "Seascape" range and will be going up on the <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/">www.blendedmonkey.co.uk</a> site as soon as it´s had its final firing where it will be provided with a transparent glaze and then fired at 1200°C. That will really bring out the colours! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Everything was pretty much bone dry before I loaded the kiln, so that´s helped matters too. If you put something in the kiln that has too much moisture in it, you´ll basically end up with it cracking or, even worse, exploding in the kiln and taking out anything else that´s sitting alongside it on the kiln shelf - not a fun experience. Had a few of those in the past 😒. So now I´m super wary and I always make sure that everything is totally dry before I submit it to the firing stage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I´ve been playing with some really nice underglaze colours too, including these purple / lavender bowls which I´m rather fond of - can´t wait to put the final transparent glaze on them.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Got a fairly busy weekend ahead, but hopefully I´ll have some more time in the studio so I can get the transparent glaze on the biscuit-fired pieces and also start working on a new multi-media piece of wall art that Simon and I are collaborating on. It´ll be nice to do some handbuilding again 😊.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">If you haven´t already checked out our Twitter, please take a look <a href="http://twitter.com/@blended_monkey">@blended_monkey</a> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Graded blue underglaze</span></b></td></tr>
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Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-69547645070760920922017-04-15T11:21:00.003-07:002017-05-03T05:29:00.706-07:00What a Lovely Spring Day!<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">It´s Been Such a Lovely Spring Day! </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oV7pbhReV80/WPJgwVSUB0I/AAAAAAAAAP0/Cn5cInH8_Jcc_fjSZav7fX-UYpY4oaeNACK4B/s1600/2017-04-08%2B16.06.16-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oV7pbhReV80/WPJgwVSUB0I/AAAAAAAAAP0/Cn5cInH8_Jcc_fjSZav7fX-UYpY4oaeNACK4B/s320/2017-04-08%2B16.06.16-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">We visited Ely farmers´ market and bought some lovely cheese from the Cheese & Pie Man along with our usual bag full of naughty breads and pastries from the "bread guy" (can´t remember the actual name of the stall, but we simply refer to the stall as the "bread guy"). </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cicsXwTN73s/WPJhG1ExG0I/AAAAAAAAAQE/vpvLHggvejE3IjjIWewd3ZGMSs3mDDBxgCK4B/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cicsXwTN73s/WPJhG1ExG0I/AAAAAAAAAQE/vpvLHggvejE3IjjIWewd3ZGMSs3mDDBxgCK4B/s200/IMG_0183.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">We returned home and I managed to do a bit of gardening - potted on the tomato plants and planted out a few clematis plants I´d bought the other day ... </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Harry & Nutmeg (our German Shepherds) were interested in the whole process; too interested to be honest! </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">If I´m not careful, and I don´t keep them both distracted by throwing toys for them to fetch, the second I turn my back Nutmeg will be "helping" me by pulling out the plants that I´ve so painstakingly planted - thanks Nutmeg! Not!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0LGMJDwH84/WPJjaSvk2FI/AAAAAAAAAQs/1wxmnJjusx421-hTinPJW6fFrxb0hJ2EwCK4B/s1600/2017-04-15%2B17.22.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0LGMJDwH84/WPJjaSvk2FI/AAAAAAAAAQs/1wxmnJjusx421-hTinPJW6fFrxb0hJ2EwCK4B/s200/2017-04-15%2B17.22.09.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wY4gQ-trCcs/WPJh1_RkYkI/AAAAAAAAAQY/ME2jrMyAhPgQIZEDFGWq3b5E0P1KY6zDQCK4B/s1600/IMG_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wY4gQ-trCcs/WPJh1_RkYkI/AAAAAAAAAQY/ME2jrMyAhPgQIZEDFGWq3b5E0P1KY6zDQCK4B/s200/IMG_0178.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Simon spent a few hours in his workshop making a start on a new hollow form. He was roughing out a piece of yew when I poked my head round his workshop door. Looking forward to seeing the end result. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--sglEz8JbQ0/WPJjLjsFCYI/AAAAAAAAAQk/JHj6yBh0mos8ixPPdRtScIOSTWm9u1BBQCK4B/s1600/2017-04-15%2B17.47.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--sglEz8JbQ0/WPJjLjsFCYI/AAAAAAAAAQk/JHj6yBh0mos8ixPPdRtScIOSTWm9u1BBQCK4B/s320/2017-04-15%2B17.47.03.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I was able to grab half an hour or so in my studio too, and added some more underglazes to a piece I´m currently working on for the seascape range (doesn´t really look anything like it will look after firing - but this gives you an idea of the process). </span></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVAJxmiCV_4/WPJhSS2zl6I/AAAAAAAAAQM/L-wy-o7wY6IJH5qXRhc6Vr5E8mMBXRyQwCK4B/s1600/IMG_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVAJxmiCV_4/WPJhSS2zl6I/AAAAAAAAAQM/L-wy-o7wY6IJH5qXRhc6Vr5E8mMBXRyQwCK4B/s320/IMG_0220.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">It´s going to take a while to finish this stage, as the design is quite intricate and I want to add a number of layers of glaze in various shades. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The kiln is pretty much full, but I need to finish the underglazing on this bowl so I can add it to the top shelf where a space is patiently waiting for it ... and then I can finally bisque fire! Phew! </span></span>Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-50459389161392097902013-03-14T09:16:00.000-07:002017-03-05T02:46:24.955-08:00Ceramifications<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><b>Ceramifications ...</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">I´ve had a few interesting bits and pieces emerge from my latest firing. </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">There are always a few experimental projects that don´t turn out as you´d like them to, but, overall, I´m reasonably happy with some of the more off-the-wall ideas where glazes and designs are concerned.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">It has been fun experimenting with glaze on the inside of some of my pieces as opposed to just considering how the outside of a piece should look.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Some of my tealight holder designs have turned out ok, and I recently sold a few of these at the latest craft fair we attended. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">In an effort to get away from my over-used love of blue glazes, I´ve been playing with some oatmeal / bronzey glazes and using drip techniques to reasonably good effect. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Rustic, copper / bronze distressed bowl</b></span></span></div>
Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-47075679247327229672013-03-12T13:14:00.001-07:002017-02-21T12:04:35.941-08:00Just been spurtling about ...<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Simon has added a rather unique item to his range of beautiful wood-turned pieces ... a "spurtle"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Collection of spurtles</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The definition of a spurtle:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Spurtle </b><i>(spur-tl)</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">1. (Northern England & Scottish) a wooden stick for stirring porridge or similar thick substances</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">2. (obsolete) a flat kitchen tool used to turn food on a griddle or in a pan</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">3. (humorous) a sword</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The collection here has been made from zebra wood and, although each piece is unique, the ends have been given a stylised thistle design. They are approx. 22 cm long and are totally food-safe, so you can indeed stir your porridge with them - after all, I think you´ll have some issues trying to use them as swords! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Some have a heart design</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Visit <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/" target="_blank">our site </a>to see more ...</span></div>
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Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-19421944646116830402013-01-30T04:21:00.005-08:002017-02-21T12:05:12.605-08:00Valentines Day ideas<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">As you are probably more than aware, because, let´s face it, the shops aren´t going to let you forget about it, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Valentine´s Day</b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> is just around the corner. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">And maybe you don´t want to buy your loved one a gift that everyone else is going to be buying? Maybe you want a unique, special present? </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anYuudG1G2M/UQkO66bA08I/AAAAAAAAAKU/W11G0keWDIk/s1600/Heart+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anYuudG1G2M/UQkO66bA08I/AAAAAAAAAKU/W11G0keWDIk/s200/Heart+cropped.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Rustic pink ceramic necklace</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Well, with that in mind, we´ve put together a collection of pieces that would suit him or her this Valentine´s Day. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">If you pop in to our <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/" target="_blank">Blended Monkey Crafts</a> shop, you´ll see a link at the top - simply click on the hearts and take a look. I´ve made some ceramic, rustic heart necklaces for this very occasion. The oatmeal ones are available from our <a href="http://www.blendedmonkeycrafts.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy site</a>, and there are only a few left now, but the pink ones and some other bespoke gift ideas can be found in our <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/" target="_blank">Blended Monkey Crafts</a> shop. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Rustic oatmeal ceramic necklace</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Have a really lovely, slushy and romantic </span><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Valentine´s Day</b></span><span style="color: #274e13;">!</span></span></span>Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-32697281517883027852013-01-30T04:07:00.001-08:002013-01-30T04:24:16.612-08:00Our Etsy site!<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Just a quick word to let you know that in addition to our main <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/" target="_blank">Blended Monkey Crafts</a> site we have also opened up an <a href="http://www.blendedmonkeycrafts.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy site</a> which will offer different products to those on our main site. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We only have a couple of items on the Etsy site at the moment, just to see how things go, but maybe have a nose and see what you think?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span>Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-18888423737579796762013-01-29T07:27:00.003-08:002013-01-30T04:24:09.000-08:00First glaze firing since the snow fell ...<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Well, the cold weather really did cause havoc in my pottery studio ... </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We don´t keep it permanently heated, so the freezing nights turned my glazes to ice blocks, and there was certainly no way I was going to be able to work with clay in the studio while it was so cold and with the water frozen in the pipes. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Although I´ve used the cold weather as an opportunity to come up with some more ideas and collection thoughts (working on a collection that properly "blends" Simon´s wood-turned pieces with my ceramic pieces), I was still hankering to get my hands dirty and get back in the studio.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Thankfully, I had already biscuit-fired some pieces and applied glaze to some of it before the "freeze" set in, and so I decided to take the plunge and try and use some of those frozen glazes and complete enough work to make it possible to stack the kiln for a glaze firing. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">It took some mixing and ice-chipping, but I finally managed to pack the kiln with enough items to make it worthy of a firing ... and I´ve just opened the kiln today.</span><br />
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<b style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">First glaze firing since the freeze</b></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">It´s quite possible that some of the ware has cracked, as I´m not sure how happy the biscuit-fired work was to be left in the freezing studio, but it´s always exciting to see what each firing has to offer - as each one can be so very different from the last.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The good work will go up for sale on our site, <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/">www.blendedmonkey.co.uk</a>, and there are a few very experimental pieces hiding in this kiln, so it will be interesting to see how they´ve turned out ...</span><br />
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Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300147504406032250.post-16776466407109877032013-01-21T09:21:00.000-08:002017-02-21T12:06:01.426-08:00Simon´s latest creations<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Just been spurtling about ...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Simon has added a rather unique item to his range of beautiful wood-turned pieces ... a "spurtle"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Collection of spurtles</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The definition of a spurtle:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Spurtle </b><i>(spur-tl)</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">1. (Northern England & Scottish) a wooden stick for stirring porridge or similar thick substances</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">2. (obsolete) a flat kitchen tool used to turn food on a griddle or in a pan</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">3. (humorous) a sword</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The collection here have been made from zebra wood and, although each one is unique, the ends of each have been given a stylised thistle design. They are food-safe, so you can indeed stir your porridge with them. Visit <a href="http://www.blendedmonkey.co.uk/" target="_blank">our site </a>to see more ...</span></div>
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Blended Monkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557010632440411285noreply@blogger.com0