Crafty Glass Nottingham

Sherwood Art Week 2014

2014-06-18T04:59:00.000-07:00

Sherwood Art Week starts this Saturday 21st June!
This year I will be at the Remarkable Recycling Gala on Sunday 22nd June with my recycled glass vessels reused as packaging for the all natural Bath Salts. On the stall I will be also offering revitalising and relaxing hand soaking experience with the salts. Some of the herbs I've used are organic and raised by myself at the Transition Sherwood Community Garden just behind Sherwood Community Centre.
I will be selling some of my decorative pieces as well.

There is lots more to see and do, fantastic old and new events, have a look at the Sherwood Art Week website

Vesse

Jars Decorating at Spring Blossom Day, St Anns Allotments

2014-05-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

Just few photos from the Jars Decorating Activity during the Spring Blossom Day at St Anns Allotments 10th May 2014 .
Despite the showers and wind at times the participants got inspired by the beautiful views and transformed the reclaimed jars into fantastic colourful mementos to take home.

Chestita Baba Marta 2014

2014-02-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

It's 1st of March and I wish you all my readers Chestita Baba Marta! To read one of my previous blog posts inspired by this ancient Bulgarian custom click here.
And here is this year's crocheted martenichka I created myself learning from a book wth samples from the library. A bit too big a star on my coat but it's mine!

Repurposing Glass Jars at AMC Gardens

2013-12-04T03:54:00.000-08:00

Excited to be running the jars/bottles decorating activity transforming them into lanterns to take home on 7th Dec 4-7pm at AMC Gardens, Nottingham part of the Garden Lights Community Event. We will take inspiration from what is happening around us, there will be lots of entertainment and participation as you can see from their website. Can even try your hand at rowing like the Meadows Olympians!
There are some photos from this fab community event on the AMC Gardens Gallery page

A small selection of the transformed jars and bottles into lanterns. We used Glow sticks for gentle and safe light.

Lovely feedback from one of the event's organisers Kate: 'Thank you for supporting our Garden Lights event. The visitors seemed to really enjoyed taking part in your activity – I had quite a few people come up to me and show me their painted glass jars. Everyone seemed very proud of what they had made, which was nice.'

I enjoyed running the activity very much and meeting so many friendly Meadows residents.

Summer Holiday Ideas Jar

2013-08-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

Stuck for ideas how to entertain the family during the holiday? Make a jar for inspiration and plans with the kids. See my last year blog post and get creative:

http://craftyglassnottingham.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/summer-holiday-ideas.html

Drying Herbs for Health and Well-being

2013-07-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

Las year I posted about my experiences drying and using herbs and flowers for health and well-being, have a look here.
This year I'm drying herbs again, using the Transition Sherwood Community Food Garden shed and herbs.

Some of the herbs are foraged, some are from my back garden, some- from my Transition plot, some- from the Shared Herb plot.
So far this year I have stored (in glass jars of course): elderflower, thyme, Greek oregano, marjoram and lavender. I'm going to share the herbs and my knowledge how to use them with the garden group and during a community event in the autumn.


Part of one of the Transition Circles, The Shared Herb Plot is on the right

Reflection on Workshop: Inspired by Sustainability

2013-07-09T03:21:00.001-07:00

Check out the post on the Transition Sherwood website about the activities at Sherwood Community Centre and the Transition Garden during the first day of Sherwood Art Week including my workshop Inspired by Sustainability

The kids wandered in the garden and then drew on the donated CD's (full with data not needed any more) and transformed them into beautiful decorations to take home. You could really see where did they get their inspiration from. The flowering chives, daisies, sage were very popular.
Not just the CD's, the ribbons and elastic are reclaimed as well.
At the end we created signs for some of the shared areas re-using more CD's : compost and herb plot. Will do some more with the garden members and volunteers soon.

My Art in Shop for Sherwood Art Week 2013

2013-07-03T04:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some photo's from my Art display at Ania Polish Restaurant, 558 Mansfield Road. I'm taking them down at the end of the week.
In my work I'm exploring several topics: environment, health and wellbeing, community and creativity and how they connect with each other.
Thank you Ania and staff for being so friendly and hospitable.


Memories of walks. Looking out


Memories of walks. Looking in

So many reflections from the layers of glass...
Also the view changes depending on the time and the weather.
I have used found bottles, painted them and hanged them from the frame with crochetted chains. Reclaimed wooden frame and beads. The dry wild flowers are gathered on my strolls in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
More nature memories inside the restaurant.
The first bottle was inspired by a summer walk through the wheat fields at Welbeck Estate, Nottinghamshire.
The second bottle is just play with colours and patterns.
The tea light holders remind me of so many local foraging walks, making and drinking delicious cordials and elderflower champane.

http://www.crafty-glass.co.uk/


Bottles: A Walk at Welbeck Estate; Colours and Patterns


Elderflowers, Berries and Seeds

Artist Statement for Sherwood Art Week 2013

2013-06-08T13:41:00.001-07:00

This is what I prepared as Artist Statement to be displayed alongside my work at Ania Polish Restaurant, on Mansfield Road, for Sherwood Art Week 2013:

Vesse Ashley

Originally from Bulgaria, I have been living in Nottingham, near Sherwood for the last 12 years.

I create and teach glass painting on reclaimed glasses, bottles, jars, CD's, often incorporating recycled and natural materials.

In my work I'm exploring several topics: identity, environment, health, community and creativity and how they connect with each other.

At my workshops people (adults and children) learn how being creative is good for us and the environment whilst having fun too! It's a great way of promoting health and well-being through art. For enquiries and bookings follow the link on my website.

This year as part of SAW I am displaying art works at Ania restaurant inspired by meaningful strolls in and around Nottingham.

I am also running eco-workshops at the Transition Sherwood Community Food Garden on 22^nd June, 2-3pm and 3-4pm- decorating discarded CDs and jars, inspired by the edible plants you see there happily growing, also learn about the past and present of the garden site. Find out from members about Transition Sherwood environmental groups and projects and how to get involved.

Look out for my Yarn Bomb Installation, near The Manor House Pub, called Memory Sticks.

http://www.crafty-glass.co.uk/

@craftyglassUK

http://craftyglassnottingham.blogspot.co.uk/

Check out the SAW Website

and if you can do visit Sherwood, Nottingham between 22nd and 30th June, it will be transformed showcasing it's talent and community life.


Art instalation or bird scarers above my raspberries

Trashed or...

2013-05-22T05:37:00.001-07:00

Just came across this environmental Blog post by Friends of Glass: Trashed-no place for waste
Check it out and if it makes you stop and think and make an even small change in your recycling and re-usng packaging habits, that will be good for your health and the environment!
I will try to re-use more glass for storing and transporting food, like this picnic jar we took for a day out.

I just put all the ingredients vertically in the jar- radishes, cheese, sallami, olives, cucumber quaters, cherry tomatoes but no dressing, closed it with the lid and then arranged them on the plates at the picnic spot. Can bring dressing or other wet food in a separate jar.

And the best news is the film is going to be shown in Nottingham as part of the
uk green film festival
and I'm going to watch it!
Check out the programme, it might be showing near you as well.

Chestita Baba Marta Part II

2013-03-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

On 22th March, as is the Bulgarian tradition, I tied our martenichki on the redcurrant bush in our garden. The other options are to tie them up when you see a swallow or a stork coming back from Africa or a blossoming tree as first signs of Spring. Not much chance in Nottingham, UK, particularly this year. It's still winter here, new snowfall yesterday and today. Baba Marta has been very moody and angry this year.

To find out who Baba Marta is click here. See also my previous Blog post about the 1st of March tradition.
Last year, 22th March 20012 our family hung our martenichki on a baby apple tree at the Sherwood Community Orchard, planted by Transition Sherwood Garden Members in January 2012 (more about the event here) to bring them health and fertility. Largely they are growing fine despite some mower damage last and this year.

True Yarn Bombing, Bulgarian style.
Spring, come soon please!

Sherwood Art Week 2013

2013-03-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

Finally I have registered on the Sherwood Art Week 2013 website as an artist and volunteer. Deadline has been extended to 15th March 2013.
So if you like Art, Craft, Vibrant Community life browse the new website (lots of interesting suggestions) and get involved! I met lots of wonderful (artists and 'normal') people through my work for SAW since it's 1st year in 2009.
If you want to see my Blog post on SAW 2012 click here.
This year I'm planning to run a workshop, exhibit and may be even do some yarn bombing.
I also loved sitting at the Info table during the week promoting the numerous activities all over Sherwood ...
Are you going to be involved this year and how?

Chestita Baba Marta Part I

2013-02-28T13:28:00.002-08:00

On the 1st of March we, Bulgarian people celebrate the beginning of Spring in an unique way,

and I want to share it with you. Read about this ancient custom here: http://www.studyenglishtoday.net/martenitsa-bulgarian-tradition.html

I enjoy crocheting and last year I made martenitsi myself. Making and giving them as gifts had been very enjoyable.This year my Mum is sending some martenitsi from Bulgaria, which is great too.

These pictures are my virtual gifts to all my Blog readers!
I wish you all lots of health, laughter, happinesss, love, hope and success!

How do you celebrate Spring?

Love

Vesse

The Urbane Forager: Spring Flowers

2013-02-23T10:37:00.001-08:00

Inspiring Blog post from The Urbane Forager: Spring Flowers: Most people associate Spring with blossom and flowers. But the seasons do not suddenly change, rather they segue, sliding from one into...
It's been freezing here in Nottingham all week but I've seen snowdrops, crocus buds, blackthorn blossom, mini irises, helebores.
What are your sightings of Spring so far? Not far away now.
At home we enjoy my Crab apple and thyme jelly , delicious with cheese. Autumn memories...

And we pick green leaves from an old onion sitting on a jar full with water, a bit like spring onion but in winter. It's fascinating to see the roots filling in the jar , thursty onion. To grow shoots it gets nutrients stored in the bulb.

Winter memories in a bottle

2013-01-24T03:10:00.000-08:00

Few days ago my husband and I visited Bestwood Country Park, an encient Royal hunting ground, steeped in history and now a quiet park,but I forgot to take my camera :(.
We passed the Winding Engine House, worth visiting when it is open, and continued down the paths. We saw and heard snow falling down the trees, glimpses of birds and their songs, occasional walkers( mostly with dogs) greeting and smiling at each other.
We spent about an hour enjoying the beatiful diverse landscape, the peace and quiet just 10 mins from Nottingham!
I gathered some dry wild flowers with sculptural seedheds, covered in snow. At home I arranged them in a bottle vase I hand painted long time ago and took a picture of them in the garden. Now they will always remind me of this wonderful snowy stroll in January 2013.

Viewing Together | Nottingham Contemporary

2013-01-09T07:12:00.001-08:00

A great programme for elderly people with dementia:
Viewing Together | Nottingham Contemporary

Crafts with an elderly group

2012-12-20T06:43:00.001-08:00

Recently I had the pleasure to run two workshops in a Care Home in Sherwood, Nottingham.
The elderly people were with various levels of dementia and other health conditions. They transformed the empty boring jars into Christmas Vases for dry flowers, tinsel, sweets... using glass markers, paints, stickers, yarn, herbs, wild flowers...
We all enjoyed the process and the end results. Seeing their faces light up with pride was very touching. I even received a Christmas card from one of the ladies I've just met! There were also songs, chat, lots of praise and laughter.

It was a fabulous workshop for health and well-being!

Witch- past and present

2012-12-12T03:35:00.000-08:00

My nick name at school was Witch (just few boys called me that so wasn't a big deal). I didn't like it, was embarrassed and annoyed. The reason was may be my big for my face classical nose and looking a bit mysterious, so quiet and shy.
Now if somebody uses that nick name or even better the Good Witch I wouldn't mind.
I enjoy picking up, drying herbs and edible flowers and then using them for health and well-being- for cooking, teas, pot pouries, dry flower arrangements. The shapes, smells, colours are amazing. They bring back memories and assossiations...


Wishing healing cake at a private charity event


Herbs drying in the garage

Drying elderflowers

Lavender(from Nottingham) and Thyme(from Bulgaria) in a decorated jar- In2Art exhibition, 2012

I love to learn and share my skills and knowledge (nutrition, sustainable craft/art) running workshops and talks for small groups a bit like a good witch. But I'm just an ordinary person passionate about nature, art, health and well-being in our community.

Creative social gathering

2012-10-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

Ellen's friends and family booked a workshop with me and spent 2hrs glass painting inspired by the glorious autumn in Nottingham, chatting, drinking tea...
The venue was the friendly and quirky Fade and the hard to find cafe
We all had brilliant time!
Beautiful transformed jars and bottles too!

Mediaeval Fete at Sherwood Community Centre

2012-09-13T06:42:00.000-07:00


Jars inspired by the garden and imagination

My plot in spring

Fun and useful Eco events to visit 16th September, more information here.

Last minute changes of the timetable for our activities at Sherwood Community Centre:

Glass painting inspired by the Transition Sherwood Garden, drop in 12.15- 13.15 with Vesse
Living from the Woods walk 14.30- 15.15 with Joan C. and Vesse

The Transition Garden is much more colourful now, come to see and join us harvesting, digging, planting, painting, hunting for mini beasts...
Some photos from the garden during the Open Day:

Fun with Glass at the Pirate Park

2012-08-28T04:38:00.000-07:00

Some photos from the Family Fun Day at the Pirate Park, Nottingham, 10th August.
Olympics and Summer lovely painted jars, activity led by Vesse from Crafty Glass.

Details of more events coming soon.
Why not follow my blog for up to date info, a mixture of craft, art, family, eco-living...

Vesse

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Summer Holiday Ideas

2012-08-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

My daughter and me created a Summer Holiday Ideas Jar during one of my environmental workshops re-purposing a coffee jar with glass paints, markers and sponges.
The whole family writes their ideas on pieces of paper and posts it in the big jar. It helps us to plan and organise our days.
Some of the ideas:

Watch the Olympics on the telly,
Play with friends,
Walk in the countryside,
Visit a Castle

We have completed some of the activities, more to go.

If you are in Nottigham and are ready for play visit the Pirate Park in Carrington, Nottingham for their annual Family Fun Day on the 9th of August 2012, 12-3pm. I will be running Glass Painting activity plus lots more fab things to make and see.

Vesse

Crafty Glass

Crochet creations

2012-07-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

I want to share some of my latest crochet creations.
I learned basic crochet recently and enjoy it very much. Find it relaxing, absorbing, versatile, pretty...
The pale blue cushion with the cream is mine, then Mum came from Bulgaria and asked me to make one for her- brown cushion with green connections. So happy that I finished them!

A bendy stick dressed in yarn in the colours of the Bulgarian flag (white, green and red stripes).

A glass jar dressed and re-used as a lantern.

For the 1st and last item I used Bamboo cotton from Knit Nottingham (very pleasant yarn and shop).

Vesse

Holiday Fun or Frump – Families making the most of What Notts has to offer this Summer

2012-07-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

Check out this link full with ideas:
Holiday Fun or Frump – Families making the most of What Notts has to offer this Summer
I can add another idea particularly for rainy days:
Activities at Nottingham Contemporary inspired by the current exhibitions: http://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/event/family-weekends-july
or create a model of yourself...details here
More holiday activities in Gedling details here , some pre-bookable some drop in, like the events organised by the Rangers at Arnot Hill Park.
Plus watching the Olympics of course.

Have fun!

Vesse

Olympic jars

2012-07-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

Last week I ran a Glass painting activity at Arno Vale Juniours School, Nottingham with a theme: London 2012 Olympics jars. The children created fabulous colourful jars decorated with the Olympic rings.If you want an eco-activity for children, families or adults in Nottingham, can contact me on info@crafty-glass.co.uk to discuss and arrange a workshop. For more details visit my web site . Vesse