July and August 2016

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I have neglected my blog, thought about it often, planned entries in my mind and then life moves on and time flies by. Such is summer.

My new home feels like home at last and that is a wonderful and a long sought for feeling. There have been lots of temporary stops on the way, many adventures and all sorts of encounters. I've developed the ability, as we often have to do, of being able to cope with inordinate amounts of stress by continually calling on the extraordinary innate drive that we all have and then searching for the silver lining in every situation, discovering much happiness, peace, contentment and a certain joie de vivre in unexpected places. Sometimes those silver linings are pure gold.

Settling in initially also held an extended period of total physical exhaustion. The search and the long journey over led to an unexpected enforced hibernation. Everything slowed down and a deep recovery began. It seemed as if I had run out of adrenaline and all of my vim. I could nothing other than sleep and rise once a day to make leek and potato soup. Perhaps if I were Jewish it would have been chicken. I craved salt and absolutely no sugar. My body dictated the rules. I have a deep respect for the intelligence of the body. Some people say that the body is our slave, if this is so then I've given my slave its freedom and we are now very good friends.

Spring and I emerged at much the same time and I set about bringing the old walled garden back into life. It had been neglected as a garden and simply used as storage for canoes and bicycles. It looked grey and dismal and I sympathised and did what all gardeners are compelled to do - looked on the bright side. 

There is a wonderful tree in the corner - an Ilex - that spreads across the shed roof, hangs over the garden wall and casts dappled sunlight in the garden. Potential.

 There is already a supply of electricity and water.

Another tree - a tall and wavering holly - that has developed two tones - one dark green and one variegated. 

And - pièce de résistance - a delicious black grape and two old lobster pots. There is also a besom - a witches broom, that is the most perfect of all brushes for gardeners.

 First step - begin to repaint the walls.

 An instant transformation but a long way to go.

The gate is painted with chalk paint and it is water proof. 

One simply cannot choose neighbours.
New gravel, appropriately Thames gravel - mud-larking connection plus flowers in pots and vases = a perfect place to work in dappled sunlight. Also, a place to hang out the washing!

It also transforms into a place to eat under dappled sunlight. Perfect.

This scented clematis will form an arch across the path next spring and summer, twinning around the bunting.

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THE GARDEN

I have to take you to a garden.
It is essential that you tell our friends.
I have one lifetime only here.

There is a void and then a vision.
The summer rain is felt as music.
The water and the wind whisper through
Eternity a language that we dream of.

Above the mist, behind the storm, beneath the rain.
Together in a thousand moments.
A delicate symphony of light, like diamonds shine and play.
Shadows fall away. Beauty would be these and death sweet, not sad.

All an elaborate chain of life.
All an elaborate chain of love.

ONE DAY WORKSHOPS - MAY 2016

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ONE DAY WORKSHOPS IN TOPSHAM

papier-mâché jewellery - come along & make your own unique papier-mâché jewellery with the beads that you will make here. Bring your apron & a packed lunch, buy a picnic in town or eat in one of the many lovely cafes or pubs in Topsham.

10am - 4pm - you may arrive at 9.30 & leave up to 5pm if you wish.

Only 4 people per workshop in a friendly old Georgian house in Topsham

£75 per person – all materials (except pearls) & refreshments supplied.  

WORKSHOP 01

Papier-Mâché Made From Natural Forms 

We will make beads to make necklaces & earrings by making flexible moulds & impressions using papier-mâché - hand formed, painted & gilded - they look like ancient treasure. You can paint then any colour. Bring your own beads to add if you like.

Tues 3rd May + Wed 4th May + Thurs 5th May + Sat 7th May  

Sun 8^th May + Mon 9th May + Wed 11th May

WORKSHOP 02

‘Egyptian Faience’ Papier-Mâché Beads 

We will make beads to make necklaces & earrings by making flexible moulds & impressions using papier-mâché to resemble the faded matt turquoise & blue colours of old Egyptian faience. Bring your own beads to add if you like.

Fri 13th May + Sun 15th May + Tues 17th + Thurs 19th May + Sat 21st May 

Mon 23rd May

Hilary Bravo. Victoria House. 8 Victoria Road. Topsham. EX30EU

To discuss or book you can e-mail me at - hilarybravo2013@gmail.com

or phone or text me on - 07598 870152

visit my website - www.hilarybravo.wix.com/jewellery for more details.

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ONE DAY WORKSHOPS

learn to make jewellery with unique papier mache beads 

from 10am - 4pm - you may arrive at 9.30 & leave up to 5pm

4 people per workshop in a lovely old Georgian house in Topsham

all materials & refreshments supplied - £75 per person 

WORKSHOP 01

Papier-Mâché Made From Natural Forms 

making flexible moulds and impressions using papier-mâché - hand formed, painted & gilded - they look like ancient treasure. 

Tues 3rd May + Wed 4th May + Thur 5th May
Sat 7th May    + Mon 9th May + Wed 11th May

WORKSHOP 02

Papier-Mâché Beads That Resemble Egyptian Faience

in faded, matte turquoise and blue made from moulds that we make - hand formed, rolled and impressed beads. 

Fri 13th May  + Sun 15th May + Tues 17th May
Thurs 19th May + Sat 21st May + Mon 23rd May

Hilary Bravo. Victoria House. 8 Victoria Road. Topsham. EX30EU
e-mail - hilarybravo2013@gmail.com
telephone or text - 07598 870152
www.hilarybravo.wix.com/jewellery for details