Studio 61

Last Thursday I went to a preview evening at Studio 61 - a gallery in the picturesque Peak District of Derbyshire, run by talented artist Karina Goodman. I have some of my work for sale in the craft shop and gallery and it has recently undergone a major refurbishment following a flood, so it was very interesting to see the new layout and meet some of the other artists who have their work displayed there. I went with my good friend Alison of BeaDangles Jewellery, who also has her work for sale there. Karina was keen to see a copy of the April issue of Bead & Button with my Foxglove Trio on the cover and I left a copy with her - I think she is going to display it alongside the Foxglove necklace she has in one of her display cabinets as people have apparently been asking if it is by me!

The new gallery/craft shop is connected to the Art Cafe, which is a wonderful spacious area of low leather chairs and tables. It has a very warm and relaxed feel, a great menu and a further display of art and crafts on the walls and in glass cabinets around the room - all laid out with wine and 'nibbles' for the preview evening!

Karina, Alison and I also discussed plans for a Jewellery Festival later in the year. This should be a fantastic two day event, when myself, Alison and others will give demonstrations of our work. Visitors will be able to browse around the gallery and craft shop, watch demonstrations, chat to the various artists and enjoy the Art Cafe, restaurant or ice cream parlour - and all in a beautiful rural setting ... sounds like a perfect day out!