1 March, 2020 – 12:16 pm
I thought it was time for an update. I would like to welcome new readers and thank those of you who have been with me for over the last 15 yrs.
I registered and started my business in November 2005 but started renting my own space in that March.
Since then I have carved many interesting commissions and unique sculptures that now adorn people’s homes and gardens. My business model has changed and grown to stay on top of the changing and often uncertain economy.
When I moved to Taurus crafts 9 years ago I couldn’t have known that this year would see me carving a War Memorial for Mitcheldean and Abenhall. I started my business just down the road from there at Harts Barn.
The War Memorial is a crowning achievement for me. Just 6 months into my apprenticeship March 2000, I suffered a career ending injury to my hand and suffered with repeated back problems as a result of the time I had to have off. I did complete my apprenticeship but missed almost a year of my training and I have spent the last 15 years trying to fill gaps in my skills and grow my business.
My injury was one of the reasons that I set up Cat’s Eye Carving as I didn’t want to give up what I loved to do and here I am one of the foremost stone carvers in Gloucestershire. Blazing a trail for women as a stonemason and an entrepreneur.
I diversified into running activities for children and adults alike, mainly through the school holidays and I love to go out to groups, clubs and schools to give talks about what I do and what I am working on. I have also developed my own designs in jewellery using sterling silver and Welsh slate.
I think the highlights so far have been carving and installing the heraldry at Penhow castle in South Wales, My Brown Bear eating a Salmon and of course my sculpture memorial that was installed at Highgate Cemetery in London 4 years ago.
There have been many other wonderful commissions and of course my sculptures that I create and carve that I sell from my shop here at Taurus Crafts that many people have bought and continue to buy.
Oh and of course organising and running 5 successful stonemasons festivals that have benefited numerous charities and buildings.
In recognition of my charity work I was given the title of Yeoman Mason and became a member of the historic livery company The Worshipful Company of Masons.
There are lost of photos on my gallery if you would like to check out some of my past work, it’s not all on there. I don’t think there’s enough room for all the images.
The House signs that I have carved must range into the 1000’s and these have always been and will continue to be a staple of my small business. I have started to develop my own calligraphy style and I am recognised for my loopy swirly letters and sculptures.
One of the ways I have been rebuilding and maintaining my strength are swimming challenges, I have just started my 2nd one for DiabetesUK and I aim to raise £500. if you can spare £5, you can follow my progress and there is a donation button on my Swim22 page and any amount will be gratefully received.
As I mentioned earlier, I am starting a brand new war memorial this month, an exciting and daunting task. One that is making me so proud as I am creating something that will help people to remember those who gave their lives so that we can be free.
Reid Lifting in Chepstow are very generously lending me a gantry crane for the duration of the project, this should hopefully be arriving at the end of this week. The stone is coming from Barnhill Quarry which is owned by Forest of Dean Stone Firms. Once everything is in place I will need to do a redraw of the layout of the design as some more names have come to light and it is so important that everything is right before I put chisel to stone. I expect to start the carving towards the end of March as there is a parish council meeting on the 9th to sign off the final details.
If you think you can spare a few pounds to help with the fundraising for the war memorial please could you get in touch via email to; clerk@mitcheldeancouncil.co.uk
I will write a separate post thanking the sponsors once I have all the details.
Posted in Carrie's News, War memorial | 2 Comments »
