Last week saw Vanilla Ink close it's Dundee doors for the last time. Sob! Creator Kate Pickering is off to plan new adventures and develop Vanilla Ink 2.0 in Glasgow. Those lucky west siders!
I have loved having such an amazing facility so close to home, attending a number of evening classes, hot desking and falling for the work created by the Inkers. I have learned a lot and met some wonderful people thanks to Vanilla Ink and, though I didn't take advantage of the space as much as I would have liked, I will miss it greatly. It's on to bigger and better things and I can't wait to see what Kate comes up with next. Guaranteed it'll be fantastic. I will be keeping my fingers crossed that Vanilla Ink returns to Dundee in some form or another, but for now I can still enjoy the fantastic jewels it allowed me to ogle, the pieces I made as part of the classes and the lovely folks I met. Here's a wee look at my Vanilla Ink highlights.....
Make Your Own Xmas Presents Class
My first taste of a Vanilla Ink class saw me making a simple silver ring plus a bunch of presents for family and friends. I managed to make quite a few pieces in this class and loved being able to say "I made that!" come Christmas day.
Vanilla Ink End of Year Show 2013
The first end of year show saw a fine array of fabulous jewelry from the Inkers. All displayed alongside some strong on brand decor.
Intermediate Jewellery Making Class
I didn't quite manage to make as much during my second set of sessions at Vanilla Ink but I did produce the above faces ring. It's still one of my favorite pieces that I've made. Kate encouraged me to make the ring bigger and bolder and helped out when the filing got too much for me.
Precious Metal Clay Class
This class introduced me to a different way of working and opened up my mind to new possibilities. It also gave me some time to make a little gift for Ross.
Leatherwork Class with Pretty Vexed
This one off workshop let me play with a different material and try something new. It was great fun and amazing to see what can be achieved in a few short hours.
Vanilla Ink End of Year Show 2013
A fabulous show is an amazing space. This event was buzzing with people and the displays showed off the work perfectly. Plus the catwalk show was rather spectacular.
A fabulous show in an amazing space. This event was buzzing with people and the displays showed off the work perfectly. Plus it featured one rather spectacular catwalk show.
Scottish Jewellery Week
There was lots of inspiration and motivation to be had at Scotland's first jewelry week. A fine selection of events held at a number of venues across Dundee. Got me excited about jewelry in whole new ways.
Thanks to Kate for bringing Vanilla Ink to Dundee and all the best for Vanilla Ink 2.0. It's gonna be amazing!
