If you squint, you can just about see Archibald Snatcher on the big screen in the background. I certainly didn't expect to see my name on the big screen at Burghley, but it turns out that 'The Boxtrolls' was one of the favourites at the Burghley Film Festival. It's a huge event here each year and they loved it!

I had a friend who’s a gemologist visited me a few weeks ago from Portland, as well as my sister coming for her summer holidays, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to become a tourist in my new neighbourhood. Along with soaking up the incredible atmosphere of Burghley House and showing off my place of work with its magnificent gardens, the deer, sculptures and fountains, we also checked out some local attractions, castles and brewery's. All this, along with hours of creative and stimulating discussions over metalwork techniques, jewellery and stone setting, and being surrounded by our luscious and colourful countryside provides me with lots of inspiration for future designs.

The deer hanging out in Burghley gardens

Had a bit of a glitch this month, due to an unfortunate hand injury, but now I'm back at work again and building back to full strength with my trusted hammer - so eager to start.

While the sun has been shining down, I've also been getting my website ready to launch and making Christmas Tree decorations! It's part of an annual Goldsmiths’ Company event, which is tied in with the opening of an exhibition, that opens in two weeks. They have linked together with The National Museum of Scotland, in Edinburgh, to show the collection of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths' in an exhibition called 'The Silversmith's Art - Made in Britain Today'. However, I did think it was a little premature to show Christmas decorations, when it's still technically summer - at the very least, I need to wait until there’s a chill in the air.

So until next time, have a great month and take good care. X