Not motivated

Had a bad bad day... started bad, ended bad, and the middle wasn't great neither. Went to class, wasn't motivated. Didn't do anything right. Tomorrow better... Here is a beautiful picture to make my day! although I am soooooo happy that I didn't have to saw this design ;-) Tomorrow will get to grips with my puzzle again...

www.superfertile.com

TGIF

While some play GTA5, or lose money on the stock markets, I went to school for the whole day. To find Saskia back on track working some funky boots; to... saw, hey... "what did you expect"? Oh and it was Xmas too, as our box of tools arrived. And it was 90% in line with the order ;-) Anyways, once all the presents unpacked, I sat, saw and survived (ok for the nurds, please translate into Latin, I am sure it will be more lyrical). I created the first plate "as for the exam" and a first draft of the puzzle. All poorly executed, bien entendu, but I am feeling more at ease with the exercises than last week, so I am hopeful for next week! Stay tuned... And because it is the start of the weekend, I give you not one, but Two pictures! 

Week 2

Monday was an unexpected day off because Saskia is ill... but today Nico took care of us for the whole day. Still the same exercise, making a 5cm by 5cm square and then saw lines, broken lines and curves into it. Today I have hammered twice on my fingers and sawn ones into another one. Without counting the numerous filing marks on my hands, I can say I look like a butcher. Nico told me my hands will roughen up as dead skin will start to build up... beurk! Anyways, I have started working on the piece of messing which, if all goes well, will be given to the teachers for my first "exam": HA! (and now imagine a pirate with his sword, yelling: HA!). Ok time to find a place to sleep (I am at the MacDo in Geneva, because I got stood up by my friend who was supposed to give me bed (and breakfast)... Guess can't call her a friend after all :-( )

Jour de repos

Saturday... rest day? Hell no! Between shopping for food, dropping daughter-love at her activities and tidying up, I found the time to go to Flamant, rue du Midi, because they have great stuff for making jewellery and because I love this old little shop. So this is what my workspace now looks like... one of many transformations it will be going through I am sure.

Day 3

TGYF? Hell no! I wish we were still Monday. Can't get enough of these classes, even better when they start with a "field trip". Today we had the honour to visit on of the teachers own studio, demonstrations of equipment included. Thanks Saskia! Plus we finally got our hand on the bench and started sawing straight lines... well straight?... see for yourself! I have some practicing to do, but it is with a smile (and sore fingers)

Day 2

Day 2... Wakie wakie with Nico Delaide and Night night with Saskia.

But still no tools :-( 

Demonstration of the sawing technique and time spent on the conceptual part of our future designs ;-)

Love this part... not very creative though, feeling more simple but efficient... but trying to keep my African twist throughout! Next up: some homework for Friday and Friday a field trip! Stay tuned...

Btw, just made a list of all the things I still would need to buy... already wishing I had a generous donor. Will start by looking for a tree... anyone has one of these in their backyard?

Day 1

Of my new life... of school... of... so many things once more. Day 1 of my diary.

Woke up really sore, my head still full of impressions from my Ethno Tendance experience, but needing to switch my mind to the academic year I have had to break my piggy bank for.

Day 1 was only an afternoon at school with jewelry designer Saskia Shutt. Met with 10 of the 11 other students, without really meeting them. I was surprised to find out that I am the only one from Brussels and that most of them come from quite far, by train, to get this training. Disappointed to notice that there was no positive energy between us (yet), no real vibe, and hoping that my first impressions are wrong. Or maybe I am not used to be around 100% Flemish crowd anymore and that was the cold I was feeling. I might have to re-adjust!

So today was all about introduction, tour of the workspace, tools and machinery and rules and regulations. As well as an overview of all the different exercises and pieces we will be producing this year... can't wait to get going!

Seches de Mer

So I was enjoying my free time for the last two months or so, but that doesn't mean I sat on the coach! I have had the privilege to spend time with my friend Sani in Douala and learn more about some very traditional techniques. Today, a small "tutorial" by Sani on how to do casting with Cuttlefish. It is in French, but I guess your eyes will get it too ;-) Click on the link and Enjoy! 

Click here to view the Video!!

Schot in de zaak...

Er komt schot in de zaak! ;-)

I have found my workbench! Thanks to sister Elisabeth I randomly checked Kapaza and BOOM, it was love at first sight. I called in the morning and gave it a new spot in the evening.... yeah! It is a 3rd hand piece, bought by a student before me from the local jeweler. I love the fact it has worked lots before, at least my ride has loads of experience. And the green top fits perfectly in my living room. Can't wait for the start of the academic year next Monday.