Mud Glass Metal

Four local studios ply their wares in the last stop on my Healesville shop crawl, Mud Glass Metal.  As the name implies, ceramics, glassware and jewellery are on offer. One of the most spectacular stops on a Yarra Valley Open Studio's itinerary, the Healesville Glassblowing Studio, provides the glassware. During the Open Studios, the opportunity to watch the process of glass blowing draws huge crowds of people mesmerised by the blowing and the heating and forming of glass.  The final products of the studio can be seen year round at Mud Glass Metal.

Then there's jewellery from Cathy Van Den Essen alongside jewellery from Tim and Liz Peel of Silvermist Studios. Tim is no stranger to Isiiad. I'm really happy to have met Cathy at last. Her organic jewellery utilises precious metals, stones and wood.  It seems appropriate that the brooch below is a combination of silver and 'purple heart wood' (from Africa). It's pretty clear that Cathy's jewellery comes from her heart. A visit to her website will reveal lots more of her beautifully made, unique work. Cathy also participates in the Yarra Valley Open Studios Program and has been a leading light in its organization from the very beginning.

The jewellery of Cathy Van Den Essen©

The jewellery of Tim Peel©

Classically shaped ceramics come from Julia Franz's© Formbar Ceramics, reminding me to make a special visit there in the  New Year.

More information about the Healesville Glassblowing Studio can be found on their website.

Given the preoccupation with all things 'Christmas' this week, I hope that the results of my wander along the Healesville shopping strip have given you some last minute Christmas present ideas.