Moving house and having a real studio with s p a c e was amazing and very quickly we both wanted to act on creative ideas which had been bubbling in the background for a while.

Girts has always been intrigued by handmade ceramics, the possibilities with shape, texture, glaze and decoration just really engage him. So a new kiln came to the studio and all sorts of things began to disappear from the house, empty bottles to use as moulds, kitchen scales and lengths of material all found their way there.

When the kiln is opened after a firing and the waiting for it to cool down is over the lid is lifted with great excitement, will it be triumph or tragedy - thankfully usually the former.

My paper weaving started a couple of years ago when I was doing some test prints of some of my abstract photos. The fine art paper was so lovely and velvety I couldn't throw them away. Later I came back to them and cut one into strips, and the rest just followed naturally.

I love how the colours and textures interact when woven, it's quite a slow progress but I love to watch it take shape. It's exacting and methodical work but I find it relaxing.

I have quite a paper stash, lots of old maps which I love, old books and shop catalogues. Always the paper is matt - But I must try something shiny to provide some contrast. A new project!