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Glass Cats & Willow Dragons: Helfa Gelf 2015 Kicks Off!

Me & Evie Dress Up (can't help ourselves)
Last weekend kicked off the 10th annual Helfa Gelf (Art Trail). Spanning five counties right across North Wales, this brilliant open studios event gives access to all manner of studios, creative spaces and interesting artists and makers. I'm happily taking part for the third time (as Laura Cameron, no.9 in the HG booklet) and Friday saw the set up at the 'Creu' studio in the pretty courtyard at Parc Glynllifon along with some of my fellow Helfa Gelf Glynllifon gang: Gareth Brindle Jones (painter, film maker), Sioned Hywel (textile artist), Richard Jones (photographer) and across the courtyard, the lovely Irene & Edith (potter/ceramics).  Anglesey Elvis (a creation of the very patient Gareth Brindle Jones) indulged my love of dressing up by allowing me to borrow his wig and sunglasses, until his head fell off and Evie (my rabbit headed lady) stole the glasses. That's the sort of thing that happens round here...

The Glassblobbery, Glanrafon
I took the rest of the weekend off in honour of my little brother traipsing all the way from Edinburgh to visit me. Together we merrily imposed ourselves on the hospitality of others in the name of Helfa Gelf. First stop was The Glassblobbery, a glass blowing / lampwork studio (open all year round) where we saw a fantastic demonstration of a glass cat cleverly emerging from two glass rods with an impressive amount of puns packed into the unhurried, fascinating explanation. Pleasingly, we could choose the animal to be made, which was a very nice touch. Now however, I can't help but think we should have been a bit more adventurous / tricksy in our choice. Hopefully the next person asked for a multi headed Hydra or the 18 armed Hindu goddess Durga, or similar.


John & Marilyn Davies
Next, we visited John and Marilyn Davies and their beautifully handcrafted wooden birds. Exquisitely life-like creatures, lovingly carved by John then decorated/painted by Marilyn, these were well worth a trip to Prestatyn to see. We received a warm welcome and were given an interesting tour around. We were suitably envious of the light, homely workshop and its lovely garden views.

Woodland Skills Centre, Bodfari
Then we hopped off to the nearby Woodland Skills Centre (The Warren, Bodfari). Part of a Social Enterprise, this is a delightful place tucked away in the countryside. We were warmly met and given a guided tour by the enthusiastic and well informed Helen. The centre runs an inspiring mix of craft, bushcraft and bee keeping courses. In the workshop, a group were busily beavering away learning to make big lathes and there were all manner of intriguing looking tools and equipment. In the more sedate, ecologically designed classroom building, a gorgeous selection of stools, chairs, baskets and willow dragon masks created an encouraging and cosy atmosphere. Little Brother gamely put on the dragon mask for a photo opp, it rather suits him. I now have aspirations to weave a willow boar or two and carve a three-legged stool that the Brothers Grimm would surely approve of.

Willow Dragon Mask, Woodland Skills Centre
Three weekends left, roll on the next one...!!
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