My Grand Day Out
by Carol Rogers

I was very lucky to be able to attend the September meeting of the Midlands Region group, where Pat Goodall-McIntosh was demonstrating how to make 'Crocodile skin' luggage. I was a last minute addition, as my friend Jan had suggested I could stay at her house for a mini making weekend, then go along with her to the workshops at Curborough Hall Farm.

I was made to feel very welcome by the group, and by Gaynor, who despite a recent illness ensured the day ran smoothly. Pat had kindly stepped in as a replacement for Alex Blythe, having done a workshop with Pat before, I was really looking forward to well organised and informative workshop.

Pat and Gaynor were worried that we would finish our luggage too early, so Pat was also going to show us how to make a simple handbag. After which Gaynor suggested that we could all experiment and make handbags to our own designs, then have a small competition to see whose looked the best.

They need not have worried. There was plenty to keep us occupied just with the suitcase. I followed Pat's carefully prepared notes, embossed my clay with the crocodile skin mould, learnt how to laminate the clay with paper. I made hinges using liquid clay, and used more moulds to make the clasps for the suitcase, Pat even provided real gold rings for the handle.

I may not have finished, and my case is a little rough around the edges. [ It can be a well travelled case! ] But I had great fun, learnt some new techniques, and spent the day with a group of friendly like minded people. It's just a shame I don't live a bit closer, because I would love to be able to come back again soon.

Now I'm just desperately trying to find the time to have another go at a case, and maybe a handbag too.

I would like to say a big thank-you to Gaynor and Pat for a great day out, and thanks to Jan too for a wonderful weekend.

Carol Rogers