Because I’ve done a few classes there, I’m subscribed to the Sydney Community College newsletter. They’ve recently re-established in person teaching and I was eager to get back to creating among people. I’d been pretty keen on the concrete planter class for a while, but had talked myself out of it because it was held at night.

Later in the day after the weekly email arrived, I encountered a concrete-related advert on a bus, then later on another bus, then I passed a bag of it on the footpath near ThePalace(OfLove).

I figured TheUniverse was trying to tell me something.

♥

And finally, last week – the class!

We were to make two pots, decorate a pre-made pot, and plant up a poor, wee succulent (poor, because I fear for its life in my care).

supplies

♥

It really was quite a simple process – sand+cement+water (3-1-1). Mix until it looks like porridge, then tip it in the moulds – which were made from plastic take-away containers and coffee cups.

I made one plain grey pot and one with a black-oxide marble effect.

♥

My completed items!

I’ll be using the painted pot as a small candle receptacle and potting the succulent into something else. I’ll try not to become too attached to it.

My pots need to stay in their moulds for a week, being watered every day. Then they’ll sit for a minimum of another week to cure. The longer I leave, the shinier the surface.

And I’ve already been to the hardware store for supplies to have a play about. I’m currently stockpiling plastic containers for moulds, but am very keen to make something before I forget how.

♥

And instafamous (second photo on link)!

I really loved being back making things admist other people. It was a lovely group and the instructor was wonderful – such great energy. I would totally do another class with her.

♥

Despite this being an evening class, it was super easy to get to the venue from ThePalace(OfLove) – particularly with the car. This is infinitely more civilised and much less tiring than catching public transport from the city and trying to make my way home on the infrequently running bus, late at night.

What this does reinforce that I can actually get out and do things in the evenings, and that I don’t need to be in bed at 9:30pm. A little tireness the next day is absolutely fine and a good thing. I’m glad I’m recovering from this ridiculous notion that I need to have a perfect routine, so that I am totally optimised for … well, I was never quite sure what I was optimising for. The things we do!

I’m determined to do more classes of all kinds in 2022. If I’ve learned anything from the last year, it’s to get out and do things while there is opportunity.

♥