Clare Gaylard Glass 

This does it for me, a miniaturised, working process that spring to life when you drop a penny in. Literally any penny, so that's value for money too. This delightful automata is the replica of an original by George Wood made in 1889 with caricatures of his fellow workers (their heads carved from pipe bowls) and it shows the stages of refining jet into jewellery. Find it in Whitby Museum.

After living overseas (and the kids growing up there) for a decade we still get a kick out of family holidays in the UK. Between Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay and most of it still looking like posters from the golden age of travel.

This stately bit of history is a few minutes walk from our home and an easy stroll for the small, three-legged dog. Having lived for so long in central parts of London, Nairobi, Bangkok and Singapore, it still feels strange to be part of such an ancient, still, rural landscape. It definitely gets under your skin, and in my current work, into your bones.

Japanese artist Shinji Nakaba carves tiny pearls into skulls, the quality of the nacre makes them all the more desirable and unsettling. I'm looking at making some skulls for similar purposes and am confounded by these.

 Eve's Glory by A. Tamboly:

'...A hundred years after the First World War, modern women demonstrate military prestige by donning vintage uniforms historically exclusive to men. Highlighting uniforms from the Second Industrial Revolution until the end of the Weimar Republic, Eve's Glory compares the ceremonial attitudes historically associated with the military to the proud independence of modern women.

Military uniforms are symbols of heroic and elite social status. The authentic uniforms belong to officers from several countries, symbolizing the strict value system of the period from 1868 to the 1930s. If women had been granted the same status as men, how would they have been perceived? Would society focus on delicate femininity or strength? Melting away the barriers by integrating women into this masculine world, this project questions the gender divide....' full article and images at Lens Culture.

A commission for a mother, a posy ring that looks like a Victorian Valentine.

I managed to see a varied and beautifully curated exhibition of James Dodd's prints and paintings in Colchester a week or so ago. While enjoying the wall hung prints and paintings I'm always drawn to any demonstration of raw materials, tools or processes. We have had his 'Wild Man of Orford' book for years so seeing these and other woodcut blocks was a treat. 

Las Lajas Sanctuary, Columbia.

Nineteen Suffolk artists creating across a wide range of media are exhibiting this weekend at Great Glemham Village Hall. Opening this Friday evening 7-9pm and then 11am-5pm on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th Feb 2016.

I'm exhibiting with two other artists this May in 'Eastern Promise' at the Quay Gallery, Snape Maltings. We are all based in rural East Anglia and this is reflected in our work. Annette Rolston and Mike Fenton are skilled artists and makers from Norfolk and members of Designer Makers 21 in Diss.

'Eastern Promise' also gave me an excellent reason to incorporate fine silver with my glass, more of which later..

Someone in 14th C France lucked out with this songbook, and then of course that person holding it, I'm slightly envious.

A splendid, creative, co-operative in Diss and well worth a visit for its own sake. Twelve artists have workshops on site and there are meeting rooms, workshops and gallery areas. Above: Print by Annette Rolston.

My clever sister-in-law, Guinevere launches her debut novel in the UK next week. 'The Words in my Hand'

Always liked the way Florentines look like jewels, got to get those extra glace cherries in.

We drive right in then try not to take the underground at all, so walking reveals the odd bonus, Banksy's stolen 'The Drinker' turned into 'The Stinker' by a less imaginative rival. I liked Banksy's version better.

I didn't know these were a thing until the kids came back from the Tropical Butterfly House with photos. Thanks Ben!

Life got in the way of art, as it does. Major apologies to all the lovely, enthusiastic people who signed my class lists over the last few Open Studios and exhibition events. The range of classes is on my 'Lampwork Classes' page and I'm adding details. I'm taking bookings from February onwards and have some flexibility in timing, so do contact me and I will reply. Mea Culpa! Sorry for the wait.

11am-4pm my studio doors are open for demonstrations, viewing work, booking classes and purchasing.