CALLING IN THE TROOPS

I love working with customers on commissions, taking ideas and creating something personal. My latest commission took me by surprise. Firstly the size of the order was far beyond what my little kiln could cope with and secondly I needed to send it to Hong Kong.

Before the designs were created, I called my lovely supplier Buttercup China to see if they could help me fulfil the commission. The customer wanted a 10 person setting as a group gift for a wedding in Hong Kong: 10 dinner plates, 10 side plates, 10 cereal bowls, 10 tea cups and saucers, 2 tiered cake stand and 6 mugs. To be honest I was a little scared of the prospect of decorating such a large order. Thankfully the team at Buttercup China, despite being in the midst of Christmas orders themselves, managed to squeeze me into their busy schedule.

So with the production in place I set to work on working on the designs with the customer. It is a real privilege working on commissions in particular wedding ones, as you are not only working on a gift but also creating something to commemorate the occasion. The inspiration was solely taken from the wedding invitation, which was designed by the couple themselves. The couple are both from Hong Kong, working in London. The concept was really personal to the couple and their travels together. I really can’t take any credit for anything other than translating the concept on to china. The vision from the customer was something classic with a modern twist to reflect the couple. I was really pleased with what we came up with.

Once the designs were sent off to the printers, my next job was the drive up to Stoke-on-Trent to assist with the decorating. I say assist, but it was more like sit and watch in awe. The ladies in the print room of the factory are amazing. They say you learn something new everyday and I learnt so much from them. Lisa deftly decorated the 10 person setting. What I love about the hand decorating process is the tactile nature of it and it relies on a good eye. The design for the tea and saucer linked the pieces and even though I mocked up the design, in practice the decals are much more malleable than paper. Lisa worked her magic and they looked seamless. Once the set was decorated they headed to the kiln. Their kilns make my kiln look like a toy!

24 hours later the set was fired and ready to packed and shipped to Hong Kong. So far I have managed to send all but one order in one piece (touch wood!) I have even sent an order to New Zealand, but sending such a large order and so far I was worried. My fears were put to ease when Faye stepped in to give me a master class in bone china packing. With my babies all packed and ready it was time to label them up and get them sent.

This commission would not have been possible without the team at Buttercup China. I can’t believe it was back in 2011 when I made my sample order from them and opened my Etsy shop.

Now you are probably wondering where the photos of the set are. The wedding is in a weeks time, so I am waiting for the couple to open their gift before I post the photos, but watch this space!