Thursday 14 January 2010

The Dog ate it!

Like the title says I've been very busy since the last post, but I've got nothing to show for it yet. I got my 3rd run (spring collection) of glass made on the 12Th of December. This was not without incident, but I think we got some of the best forms, that closest follow my original ideas. I've also got to thank Brodie and Nicky for putting me up in their beautiful house, in a bed fit for a princess no less!

I've also got plans to make a custom run of bracelets / broaches in the next month or so. I'll post some pic's in the next week or so. These are custom, so if any one wants, say a bracelet for their tiny hands give me a holla. These trinkets should end up pretty special and be to my normal, high standard of finish. They'll also be damn affordable, and would make a great valentines gift! E-mail me at conan.abel@btopenworld.com

I got this book for my parents for Christmas
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scandinavian-Country-Chrystina-Schmidt/dp/1845973526

It's totally lush and the antithesis to most of the "bling" modern furniture books out there. Its got loads of stuff in it by Alvar Aalto. He's a Finnish design legend and one of my favourite designers / architects. This bench is by him - I love it!

Tuesday 1 December 2009

Hammer-ton Time



I've got my pieces in a new outlet in Aberdeen - Hammerton Stores, 336 Great Western Road, AB10 6LX
http://www.hammertonstore.co.uk

The shop's owned by one of my friends Mums (Susan Watson)and is an amazing deli with lots of lovely organic and local produce.


http://www.craftscotland.org

Craft Scotland contains a pretty comprehensive list of makers and galleries in Scotland. It also has some interesting articles and links.

Thursday 12 November 2009

Busy Week!

Since my last up date I've been working way too hard! I've pretty much finished the collection. We shot pictures for the flier and the new website www.conanabel.co.uk on friday night. This is the setup we used, pretty ghetto but the results were amazing. Cheers Goldie!



I've also got Neil to thank for slinging this flier together for me at very short notice, cheers man!



The website should be up and running in some shape or form for this weekend. I also dropped 4 of the pieces in the current collection off at the Gallery Heinzel today. There is an amazing array of glass, sculpture and paintings. I for one, have not been the only one burning the midnight oil. The winter show opens on Saturday at 12pm and there will be free wine and snacks for anyone that feels like turning up and showing some support.

Wednesday 4 November 2009

Old Work

I found out earlier today that some of the wooden chain I made last year (designed by Bruce Adam - Springbird Studios) has ended up in Selfriges in London. Wow!



The chain is made from burr elm and is full size just like the Anchor links you see for massive ships.

Sunday 1 November 2009

Late Nights

I've been working pretty hard since I last posted and things seem to be coming together. Here are some pictures from tonight (who works on halloween???).





Lot's of dust, bleary eyes but it's all coming good.

I also got another gallery on board last week and will have a new show in the Spring: http://www.panikgallery.com/ . The gallery's 20 mins outside of glasgow and is run by Paul and Annika who are also Textile designers.

Tuesday 13 October 2009

New Lathe!

I went to Rochdale (Near Leeds) this weekend to pick up a lathe. I got really excited about this, I still am in fact. I've been busy all evening making shavings and trying my hardest to remove a digit, limb, eye etc. Anyway this is the first fruit of my labour.


Wednesday 30 September 2009

Autumn's Arrived

I drove up to Tain (Highlands) on Monday to collect my latest (autumn winter) collection, all cut and polished, just waiting for my wooden contribution. Here's a sneaky peak at one vase before I get down to some serious whittling.


There is 14 pieces in total, all of which I hope to complete before the start of November (eeek!). I'll get some progress posts up in the next few days.