Half term activities

The school holidays are always a busy time for us at E.P - this 1/2 term has been no exception. Here are just a few photo's of the many pottery punters we've had the pleasure of meeting last week.

'Owl & Pussycat' workshop at Central Library, Solihull. Also conducted a session at Dickens Heath Library in the afternoon.

We worked with just over 100 children at our regular school holiday workshops here in Eastnor. 'T-pots & Silly Saucers' provided theme with every participant making a cup on the potter's wheel.

Next workshops - 'Wee Lambs & Fluffy Buns' Take place 8&9 April 09. Please tel: 01531 633886 or email ADMIN@eastnorpottery.co.uk to reserve your place.

Connie & Vin celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary by participating in our weekend 'Throw a pot' course. They both threw some super shapes on Saturday, then decorated their masterpieces on Sunday. Once Vin's amazing 'sunflower' plate is out of the kiln we'll post a photo on this blog.

Clay Babies

For well over a decade now, we have been working with young families and early years settings, sharing the considerable benefits of working with clay.

On Wednesday, Jon worked with a group of 9 month old babies and their parents at the St. Thomas Children's Centre in Birmingham. It never ceases to amaze us just how focused the little ones can be! All the children were engaged and absorbed by the clay for the whole session - the 2hrs just flew by!

We're currently considering offering 'clayplay' sessions from our studio here on the Eastnor Estate. If you would like to know more please tel: 01531 633886 or email: ADMIN@eastnorpottery.co.uk

St Andrews and the Dragon

Funny ol' week last week - with all the snow and all! Faced with what seemed like the daily dilemma of sledging in the deer park with the kids or tackling the mountain of paperwork in the office, I was relieved a break in the weather allowed me to visit St Andrews First School in Evesham. The task - to work with the whole school to create an enormous 7 foot terracotta dragon. I'd made one a few year's ago with 200 participants, over 5 days, at Eastnor Castle's fun week. The 140 pupils at St Andrews had just two days to achieve the same effect!

The children and staff rose to the challenge with enthusiasm. All involved worked non-stop and by 3pm on Wednesday, the mission had been accomplished.


Once fired, the dragon will inhabit a raised flower bed in the school's Eco garden.

Jon the potter

Lucie's Birthday Party

Lucie and friends proudly displaying their terracotta night light lanterns, produced when she celebrated her 9th Birthday here at the studio.

The revellers all had a go on the potter's wheel as well as enjoying various hand-building techniques. For more details of our faboulous birthday parties, please select the link below.

http://www.eastnorpottery.co.uk/pages/eastnorpotterychildrensbirthdayparties.htm

Residency at Evesham Nursery School

For the past six years I've been privileged to work closely with the staff, children and their parents at Evesham Nursery School in Worcestershire. The setting offers the under five's fantastic learning opportunities on an hour by hour, minute by minute basis. You get the overwhelming feeling that every child 'really' does matter, and they are acknowledged nationally for their good work.

I visit four days a term, working with the children exploring a variety of clay based techniques. The emphasis is on learning through play - sometimes we make things to be fired - but on the whole it's all about sensory experience and process.

Recent sessions have included slip skating on giant sheets of perspex, smoke firing pots on an open fire at forest school, and wattle and daub mud sculpture.

Here Liam proudly displays his 'spider pot' made on the potter's wheel and enhanced with coiled additions.

Jon the potter.