It’s been a little while since I last did much in the way of pargetting or lime plastering, but the quieter studio time has given me the chance to focus on a few creative side projects. One of them is a new piece I’ve just finished — a plaster relief of a horse — created especially for the Christmas Fair at Designermakers 21 in Diss.
I’m really pleased with how it turned out. The form and texture came together beautifully, and I’m hopeful it will catch a few eyes at the fair. There’s something satisfying about blending the old skills of plaster craft with a subject as timeless as the horse. With any luck, it’ll find a good home alongside my other pieces on display.
Teaching and Travels Ahead
As for what’s next, my calendar is filling up fast with teaching work. Toward the end of this month, I’ll be flying out to the United States to host two pargetting courses. These sessions will combine hands-on learning with discussion, exploring both traditional techniques and modern applications of this historic craft.
While I’m there, I’ll also be completing one or two commissions that have been lined up — it’s always rewarding to see how traditional plasterwork continues to find appreciation across different cultures and settings.
Local Workshops in December
Back home in the UK, I’ve also got a few small-group Saturday workshops coming up in December. These are perfect for anyone curious about pargetting or lime plastering — whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique.
The first Saturday workshop is now fully booked, and there’s already interest in the second date. If there’s enough demand, I’ll be adding more sessions in the new year, so stay tuned if you missed out this time around.
Stay Connected
If you’d like to follow along with updates, behind-the-scenes videos, and upcoming event announcements, everything will be posted on my Wood Stone and Steel channels:
- 🎥 YouTube – Wood Stone and Steel
- 📸 Instagram – @woodstoneandsteel
- 🌐 Website – woodstoneandsteel.co.uk
It’s shaping up to be a busy and creative winter season. Between preparing for the Christmas fair, teaching abroad, and running local workshops, there’s plenty to look forward to. I hope to see some familiar faces at the fair in Diss — and maybe a few new ones at the workshops later in the year.