Chang

Hello, Crafters.

We had a very pleasant and uneventful journey back home from the Isle of Wight yesterday with some sunshine and some rain.

It has been a fabulous break and hubby doesn't go back to work until 2nd. October!

On Wednesday I told you about our trip the previous day to the Needles and Alum Bay, and I said I'd get back to you about the coloured sands.

Just a bit of background first!

When we went on the first Incentive Trip I'd earned, which was to Thailand in July 2017, I wanted to bring back a souvenir of such a memorable event. 

We saw this hand made tapestry of the Tempting Turquoise - I think that's our closest colour - elephant, and I fell in love with it.

We spoke to the shop owner and he explained it had been made by hand by local Thai women. 

Apparently, they collect dresses that have been made with very substantial fabrics that are no longer wanted, and cut pieces to make a patchwork quilt tapestry.

In Thailand elephants are called Chang; needless to say that's what we call our elephant!

Getting the tapestry home wasn't a problem.

We just folded it and put it in our suitcase, but getting it framed wasn't so easy - it measures 5' x 3'!

It was quite a challenge for our local framing company, not least because we wanted non-reflective, safety glass that didn't weigh a ton! 

The guys did a briilliant job, and I'm really pleased with Chang, who is now on the wall in the dining room! 

Back to the coloured sands! 

At the top of the cliffs at Alum Bay, one of the shops offers the opportunity to fill glass or plastic shapes with different coloured sands. 

Hubby shot off to join the queue saying he's already decided which shape he wanted, and I shot off after him saying Nooo! I've seen what we should have!

Fortunately, we'd both chosen the larger size Chang!

So now we have Chang and Sandy Chang! 

I made one of these sand-filled ornaments years ago when I was 16, and my goodness, how they've improved on how it's finished off. 

Whereas we were told to make sure the sand is packed as tightly as possible, now there are assistants who finish off for you! 

This includes giving you the option to have wavy lines put in the sand.

This is done by inserting a long needle down the outside edge of the sand!

They also pour a small amount of water into the sand, then plug the hole with a piece of clay and put on the lid! 

If you ever get the chance to do this, do have a go; it's fun, relaxing and satisfying!

Today, I'll be back in my studio and it'll be business as usual again! 

Thank you for staying with me during our little break, and I hope you've enjoyed the ride! 

Until tomorrow, happy crafting.

JanB.