Maidstone Bonsai Society Blog

Next Month's Meeting

2012-01-30T09:16:00.007Z

Next Month's meeting is on the 6th February and it is a general "Open Workshop"

Be sure to bring along your trees and tools as I am sure the hall will be busy with snipping and wiring in all directions. Some of you may have even started to repot as the weather has been all over the place recently. I know that "Tree of the Month" will start to hot up as some of the club members have been on a trip to the Noelanders Trophy in Belgium and I know it will have fuelled their fire, eh Andy?

Look forward to see you there

Noelanders Trophy XIII

2012-01-24T09:45:00.006Z

I am still trying to get my head over, what can only be described as a fantastic weekend away in Belgium. Not only meeting old and new friends that I had not seen for over a year but also fantastic outstanding quality Bonsai of the highest order and the best sales I have ever had at any show ever.

There was a large contigent of Brits who had had their trees selected for the event and they definately stood proud and sometimes outshone some of the competition on display. My favorite tree of the whole exhibition was Simon Temblett's Willow. Grown from a cutting 25 years ago, the tree was testement what you can do without forking out thousands of pounds for imported material with copious amounts of deadwood.

The winning tree was an ex-Kimura Tree owned by Mario Stemberger from Italy. Not my "bag" but a great tree nonetheless If you can make the show next year it is well worth the trip and I personally know that there are club members who have trees that are well upto the mark of this acclaimed show. You know who you are, why not submit your trees for selection next.

On another note. I am now Bonsai-less and no longer possess any trees. I will be concentrating all my available time on ceramics and will represent the pot part of bonsai at the club meetings, of which I will still attend. So you have not got rid of me that easily....

FOR SALE Juniper Semi Cascade

2012-01-17T08:59:00.012Z

Sorry Guys n Gals

Hi ho hi ho its of to Noelanders we go.....on my own this year

2012-01-17T08:43:00.005Z

Well Les S is going but he is travelling over with some of his ol' gang from the Wirral Club. I suppose he has to keep in with them now and again.

The rest of this week for me is packing up my wares, with plenty of bubble wrap, to get my pots over for sale at the event. I have been trading here for the last 5 years and its always a good weekend. The trees are outstanding with a huge BRIT contingent showing their trees also.

I will post some pictures on the BLOG on my return so for those of you that could not go, you can see what all the fuss is about.

I am also selling off the last of my trees so all my time will be dedicated to ceramics, thats if I sell them

Last Nights Meeting

2012-01-10T11:21:00.009Z

I think the pictures may say it all this time....

Simon giving his two penneth
Ooooh loving the blue glove a la Michael Jackson stylee
Ouch...

"Right you distract Simon and I will nick his tree...

First Meeting of 2012

2012-01-03T08:56:00.002Z

Happy New Year to all.

The 9th of January is our first club meeting for 2012. The meeting is a workshop and aimed at wiring and pruning but pretty much anything goes. Bottom line is bring some trees along to work on and also something for the Tree of the Month competition, which promises to be hotly contested this year after 2011's very close run.

Look forward to seeing you all there....

Seasons Greetings

2011-12-21T09:17:00.002Z

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Oh Mr Potter How Doth Thee Tease....

2011-12-09T22:44:00.002Z

...or one good reason why you might want to buy the die grinder I am selling with 4 carving bits for a very very reasonable price :-)

Christmas get together

2011-12-05T12:04:00.003Z

Tonight see's our annual Xmas Fish & Chip supper, no its not the one in the picture, with a fiendishly easy Christmas Quiz with prizes courtesy of Stone Monkey Ceramics. Also the annual Tree of the Month Winner will be announced and prize giving. Hope to see you all there

You don't need a wad full of cash, just a little time...

2011-11-25T22:13:00.002Z

Here's a nice video from our Graham

Trees for Sale

2011-11-23T11:34:00.005Z

Following on from the raw material that I sold at the Club Auction earlier this month I’ve decided to move on some more of my trees. These generally are more worked and refined than truly raw but due to my commitments to my Accent pots I feel it is time for them to get more attention than I am able to give them at present. Sizes and prices to suit all pockets.

For anyone who is interested, drop me a line at simon@haddons.eu and I can forward pictures and prices or arrange to bring them to a Club meeting. Here's a taster:-

Mame Cotoneaster
Shohin Hawthorn in Erin pot
Shohin Cork Barked Elm
Chuhin English Elm
Semi Cascade Hawthorn

Regards, Simon

AGM 2011 – The end of the Beginning

2011-11-18T14:06:00.001Z

This year’s AGM was again very well attended with 17 members, including the Committee. This is a far cry from where we were a couple of years ago when it was only the Committee, a couple of members and someone looking for directions to the Chippy!!

In 2009 the appearance and direction of the MBS changed and this year marked the End of the New Beginning as long time Committee Member, and Vice Chairman, Andy P stepped down. Andy has worked, and supported the Club, for many years and feels that it is time for a rest. On behalf of the Members I’d like to say a huge THANK YOU and wish Andy a happy retirement. On a more upbeat note the Committee this year has been joined by Judith and Adrian. They will be shadowing Keith W and Dean to take on the Treasurers and Secretaries respectively next year. On behalf of the Committee I would like to thank them both, and ALL the Members who pledged support to the running of OUR Club. Unfortunately, this year will also be my final year as Chairman. It has been a privilege and an honour to help lead our Club but I just need a bit of time with my family and to recharge the old Bonsai Batteries. Keith, Dean and myself will still be involved with the Committee and the Club after our retirement and as they say “Never say Never” so we could well be back at the helm. For those of you reading this and think that this could be the Beginning of the End, far from it, as I think that the Club is at the strongest it has been for many, many years!

Once the AGM was concluded we had a very busy, and fun, Auction. There were plenty of goodies for sale (not all mine I hasten to add!) and I think everyone got a bargain and the Club also benefitted with some nice commission payments. Thanks one and all for bidding or putting items up for sale. Although pushed for time we still had Tree of the Month to fit in and this was won by another member of the Boiled Egg Brigade Andy H. This is now beginning to become a problem for us less folicly challenged members, maybe I need to invest in better trees. Well done Andy, your time with Mick has served you well!!

Next month sees our usual “Fish’n’Chip” Supper no doubt complimented by one of Mr P’s fiendishly difficult and fun quizzes. I look forward to seeing you all there with a very special item up for Auction (watch this space!) Kindest Regards, Simon.

The 2012 Programe for MBS

2011-11-18T12:39:00.002Z

Burrs 2011

2011-11-14T14:10:00.003Z

Here is what you missed if you did not go, me inlcuded for the first time in 6 years. Will prove to be interesting so read away

http://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t8336-burrs-2011-and-so-it-begins

Storey's World Tour 2011

2011-11-03T08:59:00.002Z

Not only has Les taken the ToTm trophy at MBS this year; Les has, whilst on his working tour of down under, infiltrated a few other Bonsai Societies in the Southern Hemisphere. Here is Les at the Bonsai Society of Western Australia in Perth, with the Ladies!

New BSA Website

2011-11-01T13:41:00.002Z

Need I say anthing else but "check it out " here http://www.shohin.org.uk/

Next Month's Meeting

2011-10-11T08:46:00.004+01:00

Next month's meeting on the 7th November see's our annual AGM meeting follwed by the ever popular Club Auction. Please do attend the AGM as it is the opportunity for all members to point their point of view across to the club committee and have their say in the running of the club. It will also be your opportunity to vote in and out committee members and also have a go yourself

This will them be followed by the club auction and lots of unwanted goodies will be up for auction from books on Bonsai to trees and tools. There will be something for everyone and all budgets.

See you there

And the Winner is....

2011-10-04T08:35:00.004+01:00

Unfortunatley I could not stay at last nights meeting as I was upto my eyeballs in it and needed the evening to get back on track as it were. I stopped by the club for a brief time to drop off some stuff to Les S who has snared a monkey pot and also offered to take over a raku Chawan that I had made and will gift to Kobayashi when Les goes to Japan towards the end of the year.

Well the other reason for this post is our annual Tree of the Month Award. This year it goes to our newly adopted Wirralite, Mr Les S. When Les gets back from his work / leisure trip he will be presented with a plaque that I have made and some other goodies to boot. Well done Les and see you all at the AGM / CLub Auction next month

Monday's Meeting 3rd October

2011-09-30T10:22:00.002+01:00

Monday's meeting see's our regular annual slot with Lee Verhorevoort and a talk on Winter Protection. It promises to be a good evening so we shall see you there

Then there were 6 !!!

2011-09-26T08:29:00.002+01:00

The Monkey's are escaping fast, don't let yours get away
Thanks for all your support

Kind regards
Andy

The Monkey's are Released

2011-09-23T10:33:00.003+01:00

From midday 12:00 GMT today the Stone Monkey Collectors Pots, "The Legend of the 12 Monkeys" will be available from my website www.stonemonkeyceramics.co.uk/collectors.asp

Be quick and don't let your monkey escape....

CKB - Your Club Needs You!!

2011-09-22T11:48:00.002+01:00

Michael Hagedorn Bonsai Artist or Philospher...

2011-09-20T12:56:00.001+01:00

I loved reading this and it definately proves a point as I have had the same with clay. Don't think, just do

http://crataegus.com/2011/09/17/sight-of-the-blind-mind-part-ii/

MBS at Bonsai World Show, Crawley

2011-09-20T12:37:00.008+01:00

It goes without saying that anyone person or club showing at a national Bonsai event is plagued with fear, trepidation and the odd bout of pre-match nerves. MBS were invited to put on a club display at the Bonsai World event at Crawley this year, and boy did they do the club proud. A big thanks to all those who supplied trees for the club stand and an even bigger thanks to Dean & Keith who done most of the humping and dumping. Gents you did the club proud and I am really honored to be a member. In the past 7 years I have been a member of the club, Keith has been there longer, I have never seen the club so well represented and put on show.

Simon and his stand

Last Nights Meeting

2011-09-06T13:45:00.005+01:00

Last night we had a packed room of eager Bonsai ists waiting to get stuck into their trees and do some work. Thanks to all who turned up it was a great evening
Bolied Egg anyone??
Simon takes on some work "You just need to cut it off here..."
Boris in deep concentration

Dean looking for the diamond in the rough
And the winner of Tree of the Month, Simons Lonicera

Bonsai Autumn Switzerland

2011-08-31T14:06:00.003+01:00

Last weekend the Bonsai Autumn show was held in Switzerland as it is every year. Here is a link to some of the trees that were on display. You have to hand it to the Italians as their trees are pinch perfect. This is a picture of the winning tree by Enrico Savini, who also styled my / lee's juniper

http://www.animabonsai.com/2011/08/bonsai-autumn-2011-trees/

The Legend of the 12 Monkey’s

2011-08-31T06:09:00.003+01:00

Legend has it that many years ago a jealous and devious pot maker was envious that the potter Chojiro was bestowed the honour of making Chawan for the emperor Toyotomi Hideyoshi for use in the tea ceremony. Seething with anger the jealous potter trained 12 wily and devious monkey’s to go and steal the secrets of Chojiro’s Chawan making and bring the secrets back to him so that the jealous potter could learn Chojiro’s art.
The monkey’s set off on their mission to find and bring back the secrets of the Chawan and being monkey’s, were unorganised in how to go about getting the secrets that their master wanted. One monkey suggested that they sit and watch Chojiro making the Chawan so that they could learn the art and techniques that Chojiro employed and take the information back to their master. Another suggested that they steal some Chawan to take back so their master could see the techniques that Chojiro used. Undecided the monkeys spent a long time arguing when eventually they settled on the idea of stealing some Chawan to take back. Unbeknown to the monkeys the Chawan that Chojiro had made were already in the kiln ready to be fired.
Not knowing anything about the art of pot making the monkey’s climbed into the kiln and each one grabbed hold of one Chawan to take back to their master. Monkey’s being monkeys, they could not do the job without getting up to some mischief and they started to mess about with the Chawan distorting them and making holes in them so that they could never be used for the tea ceremony. All of a sudden the door of the kiln closed and the monkeys were trapped in Chojiro’s kiln to await their inevitable fate.
When Chojiro opened the kiln he found that twelve of his Chawan had a monkey fired to the side of the pot. Enraged and confused about how this could have happened, Chojiro was beside himself when looking at the Chawan he saw that there were holes in the bottom making them useless for the tea ceremony. Chojiro threw away all the pots into a hole in the ground and the pots remained buried hidden from view for centuries, until now...

By Andy Pearson

Countdown to Crawley

2011-08-30T11:32:00.009+01:00

Well, it's almost here, the Bonsai World Show at Crawley. It will be the first time that the MBS has shown our trees on a more National stage and I'm really looking forward to it. This is a chance for us to show the world what we are made of and hopefully a good plug for CKB next May. Special thanks must go to Dean M for all his running around selecting trees and for doing the laundry!!

This is looking to be the largest event in the South this year and a real "must" for ALL Club members. There will be lots to see, and buy, plus demos from some of Europes top names. Andy will be there selling his superb pots, along with myself and my humble Accents, plus some of the UK's top traders. So if yu are in the market for ANYTHING Bonsai related then this is the place for you!!

Looking foward to a good one and seeing you all there.

I'll be doing a head count on Monday!!

Regards,

Simon

Cup of Tea Vicar?

2011-08-16T08:33:00.005+01:00

Sunday saw Maidstone Bonsai Society’s first Garden Party hosted by our chairman Simon.
We had plenty to look at!

We had loads to eat and work on!
But for some, you can have too much of a good time!
I’d like to thank everyone who attended and those who sent their best wishes, and hope to see you all, at the next one!

Regards,

Dean M

Last Nights Meeting

2011-08-02T10:25:00.006+01:00

After a bit of jiggling around and a few changes of plan at the 11th hour last night we had the talented and unassuming Peter Warren along for a tree critique and to assist members in where to go with their trees in the eyes of a Bonsai Professional.

Even though I had to leave a tad early, due to other commitments, last night was very informative and enjoyable. It was nice to see guidance and thought put into the planning of a tree rather that bits being chopped off and flying everywhere, a re-freshing approach with thought for the well being and health of the tree being put to the fore, plus I think Keiths bunjin Scotty looks the nuts now!!

Congratualtions goes to Dean for winning Tree of the Month with his beautiful White Pine, sorry no photo and one of my favorites of Deans trees. ToTm is a very close fought battle and I for one cant wait for the results. Many thanks for Les for arranging Peter to come down at a moments notice and many thanks to Peter for making it possible.

Marc has got a brand new bag....

2011-07-22T09:57:00.012+01:00

Handbag, Manbag, what's all this I hear you say.
When the first styling is done on this Hawthorn Yamadori its definately not going to be a Rubbish bag thats for sure. So why all the "Bag" tags. Well Marc's tree has been affectionatley branded the "Hand Bag" due the large root, which I should imagine will be removed over a period of time, is very suitable for picking the tree up by. Here are a few pictures when Marc got the tree at this years show in Whitstable at Nick Pearce's Bonsai Nursery

"Hmmm can I make it into a Shohin?"
"A little cut here and there and I will get it under 20cm"

Watch out Kent Club is going to nick it!!

Next Months Meeting

2011-07-18T22:28:00.005+01:00

Next month meeting on the 1st August we have Simon Temblett coming to the club. Make sure you attend as this is going to be a good meeting.

Simon Temblett is a professional Bonsai artist who teaches at Bonsai schools and workshops across the country.

He has had articles published in Bonsai Focus and several of his trees are on the RIBB (Register of Important British Bonsai). He is also on the committee of The Association of British Bonsai Artists (ABBA).

Simon is also a potter and sculpture, producing some of his own bespoke bonsai pots.

July meeting – Wot no pictures?!?!?!

2011-07-18T10:42:00.000+01:00

This month’s meeting was another busy Club Workshop with plenty of good work going on and even some Bonsai pottery!!! Light hearted but always fun our Workshops bring out an interesting selection of members trees for advice and some TLC. This month’s Tree of the Month winner was Keith W “Stinking Lady”, a lovely Shohin Premna Japonica or Musk Maple. This tree will make a super Shohin in a couple of years and I can’t wait to see it in its new pot. Talking of “seeing” I must apologize for the lack of pictures but our Potting Paparazzi forgot to bring his box brownie to the meeting. It must be the clay rotting his brain!!!

I’m delighted to announce that we had 2 Juniors join us for the evening and they are both looking to become members. Every Club needs new blood so that when the old boys, like me, call it a day there will be the next generation to push OUR Club onto bigger and better things. I look forward to seeing you again soon!!

Vintage Japanese Chawan

2011-07-13T11:55:00.004+01:00

Vintage Tokoname Japanese Chawan made approx 50 years ago. Ancient Japanese poem (Waka) and pine trees carved into the side of the tea bowl with the potters stamp, unknown, on the bottom of the piece. Also comes with original wooden box signed by the potter, cloth and information, in Japanese. Now available on my website here

Blustery Bearsted brought out our Best!!

2011-07-11T20:14:00.016+01:00

Sorry for the late post but I hope that you agree that it was worth the wait!!

Again we were lucky with the weather, although it was a wee bit breezy at the beginning of the day, and this brought out the crowds to appreciate our wonderful trees. This year, for the first time ever, we were let lose on a member of the public’s tree thanks mainly to Les’s Scouse charm!!

The Clubs larger trees were this time around complimented with a super selection of Shohin and Accents. Our standard is really on the up and I can’t wait to see what we can offer the “National Bonsai Scene” when we stall out at Bonsai World in Crawley in September. They say that a picture can paint a thousand words so enough drivel from me, here’s some of the trees……………

Remember Me??

2011-07-11T19:27:00.007+01:00

Last June I posted this budget peice of raw material and gave you the story so far........

........... and here's where we are today.

I hoping theat this tree continues to improve to make an appearance at the Celebrating Kent Bonsai Show in May. I'll keep you posted, or you might even see it at the Club!!

A Diamond in the Rough

2011-07-08T13:10:00.005+01:00

For those of you who don't know our esteemed Chairman has started up his own Blog. Take a look and have a read here, all good stuff and not just Bonsai.

Also for those of you who love Kusamono, Accent Plantings, Simon has some of his very own that you too could own for a modest price see here

Your Club Needs You, well your trees anyway...

2011-06-30T14:07:00.004+01:00

This is a call to arms for all you members of MBS, we are going to WAR.

We have been given 4 tables on which to display our BEST trees at a National Bonsai Event at Bonsai World Exhibition on the 3rd & 4th September at Crawley in Surrey. So its time to get out your best trees, dress them with moss and shine those pots to perfection.

Our club has some of the best trees in the South East and you should all be proud to show off your skills and handy work. Don't be shy we will be talking about this in depth next Monday, please show your support as it will take the club to a nationally recognised level.

Many thanks

One Stop Diary Shop

2011-06-30T10:38:00.003+01:00

For all things Bonsai in the UK and abroad here is the perfect resource that has been put together by Delyese Upton. I use it a hell of alot as a trader to see where I can sneak in to sell my wares. even has the CKB show in there for 2012! See HERE for information

There's a New Forum in Town!

2011-06-29T05:36:00.002+01:00

Will Baddeley, who did a demo at the club not so long ago, has started off his own Forum. As you know Will has a huge love of European species of Bonsai, I think it will be worth checking out what is on the forum here at http://europeanbonsai.freeforums.org/index.php

Regards

Andy

Kent Bonsai Show 2011

2011-06-13T20:06:00.005+01:00

After a little reminder that I’d been neglecting the Club Blog (you know who you are!) here’s what the MBS was up to last weekend. Kent and Maidstone Bonsai Clubs were again at the Kent Bonsai & Azalea Show at Yorkletts, near Whitstable. As Chairman of t’Committee I, along with other MBS Club members, were there to support the event, showcase our trees and maybe pick up a few new members along the way.

Saturday dawned clear and bright with Dean, Les & I to set-up our 2011 display. We were really lucky as the sun was out and the wind was slight so in two shakes we were ready to rumble. There were some lovely trees on show and I think the MBS did themselves proud as although we were a bit thin on the ground people and tree wise the overall display looked very good – even if one of our own was seen batting for the other side – LOL. Well done to all who took the time to supply trees or just came along to give the MBS their support. Here’s a few of the trees that we had on show……After plenty of banter, snooping, bartering over purchases, and all round light hearted fun it was down to Work. Dean kindly repotted Marc’s Azalea, as well as find a fantastic pot, Les was busy leaf pruning and wiring his semi cascade Maple and I got around to decapitating my latest purchase. Shock and horror from some of the visitors as my saw made short work of the trunk but all agreed that the tree is better for it.

Marc and his good lady wife (sorry I’m rubbish with names) produced her latest “handbag” and I was quite shocked. They had just brought an old Literati Hawthorn with its own built-in carrying handle and asked me to cast my eye over it. The price was good and the tree had potential so I gave Marc a few pointers on where I thought he could go with styling the tree, little knowing that they were actually asking me to style it for them!! After much chatter, laughter and explanation, along a few chores for Marc to complete before our next Club meeting (hint, hint). I’m sorry that I can post any images at the moment as I’ve not quite mastered the art of walking and talking yet let alone photos and pruning. As soon as I get some from the happy owners of the tree (I hope) I’ll post them here but in the interim just let your imagination run riot – Chanel meets yamadori!!

Footnote
The tiny Accent of moss, with Keith's Mame Juniper, really got the visiting Japaness students excited. Strange but true!!!

Next Month's Meeting

2011-05-29T19:57:00.002+01:00

Next months meeting is a workshop so dust of your wore and your tools and bring along your troublesome, or not so troublesome trees, to the club and we will get stuck in a do some work to bring out the best in your tree. See you there

Creating Deciduous Bonsai Trees

2011-05-03T18:46:00.000+01:00

An Ugly Stump Gets It's Day - Creating Bonsai From A Hedge

2011-05-03T18:45:00.000+01:00

3 Show Off in Brum....

2011-04-12T08:35:00.008+01:00

Well this past weekend was the Best of British Bonsai Show in Birmingham. A FANTASTIC weekend was had by all and the level of trees on display was mind blowing, all the trees that were selected and were on display were of an excellent quality and standard. Les S, Dean M and myself all had the privelidge of showing our trees. Here are a few pictures of the usual suspects

Les' stunning Blackthorn, thawed out after it's Icy ordeal, ask Les

Dean with "Cuddles" in all her glory
Les with his Shohin Display
And my offering of "The Italian Job" with Tea bowl accent

Still not ready but there is always tonight...

2011-04-04T09:37:00.003+01:00

Life has been mad, potty even, pardon the pun. I have had so much going on over the past few weeks I don't know if I am coming or going. I have had my tree accepted, as other have in the club, for the "Best of British Bonsai Show" this coming weekend and, unlike others I suspect, I have not even got my tree ready. So tonight at the club I shall get stuck in and get my juniper ready for the show. So if you see me all quiet for a change in the corner of the room getting on with work on a tree then you now know why

See you later this evening

End of an Era...

2011-03-25T22:33:00.001Z

A very very sad day for me. The old original Stone Monkey gas kiln has had her very last firing in my care. When I open the kiln on Sunday it will be a special day for me. I said a few prays to the kiln gods hoping that all will be well. I shall post the results soon. Due to the land owner selling up and me having nowhere to move her to I have had to sell her. The new owner will be collecting next week and when she is cold on Sunday I will have to dismantle her to the basic components. Unless I get a get a new gas kiln there will be many glazes and finishes I will be no longer able to achieve. It looks like I will be going electric, but I suppose we all have our cross to bear. It also means that I will be out of action for a while, well from a firing point of view anyway. All the Bonsai pots will be at BoBB and there will be a few "In Your Face" pots but hey I would not have it any other way. Hope fully I won't be down too long and I will post the results from the final firing soon.

Regards

Andy

Three go Wild at Willowbog!

2011-03-24T19:53:00.010Z

The latest unofficial MBS “road trip” saw 4 become 3 for the BSA’s “Shohin Off” event in the wilds of Northumberland at Willowbog. Unfortunately, Lee was unable to make the trip so Les, Andy and I boarded the Stone Monkey Tardis for the journey up north. For the first time ever we were greeted with fantastic weather that complimented the marvellous display of trees (and Accents galore Keith!).

This year’s event was a different slant on Shohin with free Workshops, informative lectures and even pottery classes!! Great fun was had by all, lessons learnt and friendships rekindled (even after we “poached” the Wirral Clubs Chairman!).

Although there were Show compositions, these were all specially invited and a winner would be chosen by public vote. Andy had been charged with making an award and kindly donated one of his fantastic tea bowls. This was not the only MBS involvement as Les S had been asked to submit a display. There were 20 displays on show (and probably one of the best displays of Shohin & Chuhin you will see this year – IMHO) and here’s the overall winner from Mark & Ritta Copper.

Maidstone (and the Wirral’s) honour was upheld by Les’s display coming a very popular runner up ahead of many imported Shohin and Mame. Both native trees and a combined cost of less than some of the pots that some of the Shohin were in. Congratulations Les, well deserved my friend. It just goes to show that you don’t need to spend mega bucks just have lots of vision and passion!!

Next year’s event is back to a Show, although there will still be lots of informative stuff going on, and the BSA is looking to expand on past glories with a more inclusive outlook. They are looking for people, and Clubs, to bring along single or incomplete compositions and have them prepared for Show by Marco, Peter Warren & John Armitage and added with others to the Show. There’s even extra awards for Shohin in progress and group displays. So here’s my call to arms. John A and Will B have both said that we have some great trees in the Club so don’t be shy, get involved. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have stands, scrolls or don’t know how to prepare for Show, the BSA is there to help. No doubt some of us will be making the journey up again next year so why not get involved, you don’t even need a passport!!

Will he or Won't he

2011-03-08T12:38:00.016Z

Last night we had the excellent and very talented Will Baddeley come to our club. Will talked about his experience in Bonsai, his style and his preferences in native material and its advantages. Will also did a tree critique and advice workshop on members problem trees, giving members good pointers and a way forward with tackling the styling and the future of the tree.

Mick stating "Size matters!"

One happy chairman with his new re-jigged pet Seal / Slug

Wills' beautiful Elm and the deadwood in close-up

Will selects tree of the month
And the winner is....

...well done Mick

I am sure you agree it was a great evening. See you next month

Next Months Meeting

2011-02-27T20:42:00.002Z

Next months club meeting is a MUST.

Will Baddeley will be joining us for a demo/workshop/tree critique. Will trees have been shown at Gingko, Noelanders, Spirit of Bonsai and two of his trees on on the Register of Important British Bonsai

Will has also started his own blog here

Make sure you don't miss the next meeting

World of Bonsai Series 2 Episode 9

2011-02-27T13:10:00.001Z

Lindsay Farr's WorldOfBonsai series2 episode 9 from lindsay farr on Vimeo.

World of Bonsai Series 2 Episode 8

2011-02-27T13:03:00.001Z

Lindsay Farr's WorldOfBonsai series 2 episode 8 from lindsay farr on Vimeo.

Lone Wolf...

2011-02-23T15:30:00.002Z

I have started my own Stone Monkey Ceramics blog as I find myself walking two paths now with clay. More information can be seen here

Don't worry you don't get rid of me that easily, I shall be around for a while yet and still making Bonsai Pots for the forseeable future

Stone Monkey goes all Studio like

2011-02-21T22:28:00.003Z

Well it seems the year of the Rabbit has got off to a good start for ol' Stone Monkey. I now find my work being accepted for two, yes that's TWO, non bonsai related exhibitions. The first is Art Uniting People at the County Hall in Maidstone, more info here

The second is a The Singing Soul Gallery in Cranbrook Kent, more info here

Don't worry Bonsai Ceramics is not finished with, lets just say Stone Monkey is walking two paths at the moment and I am a happy monkey

Regards

Andy

Things just only get better.

2011-02-08T09:09:00.004Z

I am sure you will all admit it but last nights club meeting was superb. 4 new members, loads of work going on and people getting stuck into their trees, the air was thick with enthusiasm. It must have been an odd pre-spring soltice witchy pagan thingy as I even worked on a tree and forgot about clay for just over an hour, well may have been a little longer.

Good news was also in the air as three MBS members have had their trees selected for Best of British Bonsai show in Birmingham later on in the year, with two other members awaiting confirmation. Well done to all!

Les S won tree of the month with his wonderful shohin elm raft, that's two months on the trot for our Les, hmmm me thinks the Wirral club may have had enough of his wins and passed him onto us ;-) Serioulsy well deserved Les and there were plenty of members who would have happily taken you tree home with them.

Next month we see the excellent Bonsai Artist from Suffolk, Will Baddeley come and visit us to help us with problem trees and give us some critique and good advice. Please bring your trees, especially if you have a few that you are not sure which way to go with, you won't be dissappointed. Oh and don't forget tree of the month!

Take care

Andy

Mr Potters Progress

2011-02-03T19:24:00.001Z

Another one of Graham fantastic videos, enjoy

The Musings of a hopeful life long potter, or a total madman...

2011-01-26T15:10:00.008Z

Usually after a show, such as Noelanders that I attended this weekend just gone, I have a terrible habit of sitting down and trying to evaluate what I do and why I do it, not too mention and question "Is it all worth the extra hard work", irrepective of weather I have had good sales or not.

I have a life long dream of being able to be a potter, who like the excellent potter John Pitt, has the luxury and good fortune to be able to pot full time and make a reasonable income from it. However having to do a full time 9-5 job in the capital of our country can be somewhat of a set back being that it takes up a good 13 hours of my day. This only leaves 11 hours in which to pot and sleep. Good friends have told me to take the leap to full time pottery but when family is reliant on the income you earn from your day job to live a modicome of lifestyle, puts a certain amount of responsibility on you to stay in the full time job.

Anyway after a few days have passed after a big show I settle back down into my routine of Sleep, Pot, Work not neccisarily in that order and get back to the wheel making what I love. See for me, even though sometimes there are deep rooted doubts and fears, I have this life long love affair with squiggy suff that is millions of years old and you can make things with it. No matter how bad it has got, and it has been bad sometimes, or how bad it will get in the future, I always come full circle and "Pot". John Pitt said to be about 6 years or so ago, "Stick with it, it will pay off in the end". What John said to me is still lodged in my head and won't go away, so perhaps I have answered my question already. Self doubt and sometimes self loathing, I feel, is all part of the creative process as an artist. It can be a lonely and solitary road. Only when you see the friuts of your labours on display, show your work and people buying them does it seem worth it. Now I am not asking people to blow smoke up my arse or to have my ego tickled, it's not all about that if you are reading this and thinking I am looking for some sort of sympathy then please think again. I suppose what I am trying to come to terms with is the the why's and where for's of where my life as a potter stands at the moment.

So I find myself again preparing for my next show and last night I was so in the zone it was scary. Well I would rather it be like that than have one of those days when nothing goes right. For me pottery, and not just bonsai pottery, has become a way of life, an obsession and perhaps my curse. I embrace it for what it is, good times and bad and thank all of you so so much for your support and critique, you know who you all are.

Thanks for listening to my musings, or paranoia, call it what you will. The Stone Monkey will be around for a long long while yet, as it is my task for the next 2 years to get my work in a London gallery, working in London does not seem all that bad after all....

The "Bon" is just as important as the "Sai"

2011-01-26T08:40:00.005Z

For those pot lovers out there, that will be me then, here is a very insightful and interesting article by Peter Warren. Peter is currently in Japan at the moment working with "The Cheif" Kunio Kobyashi at his nursery Shunka-en.

Article is here

Enjoy, I did very much.

Regards

Andy

4 go mad in Belgium

2011-01-24T23:03:00.006Z

This weekend gone, Les, Lee, Simon and myself made the pilgrimage to the Noelanders Trophy XII in Heusden Zolder in Belgium. Fantastic weekend, great friendship and great bonsai. We all had a good laugh, huge portions of steak and chips with a few Belgium beers thrown in too boot. Here are some pictures for your viewing. I will be bringing some dvd's with all the pictures I took to the next club meeting if members want a copy for their bonsai usage.

One tired MBS member on route home ;-)

Loads more pictures here by Will Baddely, who you will see at the club in March working his magic

Introducing Mr Neil...

2011-01-17T10:42:00.004Z

Ryan Neil is demonstrating at Noelanders this weekend coming and he has just kicked off his new website. A good friend of Peter Warren and an apprentice for 6 years to Kimura, its worth checking out his site. Ryan certainly knows his bread and butter

http://www.bonsaimirai.com/

Regards

Andy

Noelanders XII 2011

2011-01-13T08:45:00.003Z

For those of you who are unaware, next weekend 22nd & 23rd is the annual Noelanders Bonsai Show in Belgium. More details here Les, Lee, Simon and myself will be there for the weekend. Apart from trading as I normally do I will be looking forward to seeing some fantastic trees and meeting great friends from over Europe. See you there if your going

A worthy winner

2011-01-10T23:07:00.004Z

Unfortunately I could not stay at the club meeting too long this evening as the Noelanders Trophy is just around the corner and I am up to my eyes in glaze and pots to get ready for the event. This evening after a short delay due to Mick's operation and recovery Simon presented Mick with his awards that I made for the winner of our annual tree of the month competition. Mick P's tree are outstanding and I am sure over the coming months I hope that more Bonsai enthusiasts get to see Mick's talent and skill as a Bonsai artist. Here are a few pictures of a worthy winner.

Next Club Meeting 10th Jan 2011

2011-01-04T05:42:00.003Z

A new year sees another annual Maidstone Bonsai Society new programme, packed full of plenty to do and great guest speakers. Out next club meeting is on 10th Jan, a week today. The subject is an Open Workshop and the focus will be on wiring an pruning.

Look forward to seeing you there

Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year

Anyd

Seasons Greetings

2010-12-14T08:40:00.003Z

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from all at Maidstone Bonsai Society

Regards

Andy

Next Club Meeting...

2010-12-02T20:01:00.004Z

Fingers crossed and subject to the awful weather, this month's meeting on Monday 6th December, will be our annual chish and fip supper with a stonkingly tricky Stone Money Quiz, with prizes. Look forward to seeing you there.

November Club Meeting

2010-11-08T21:07:00.000Z

2010/11 Club Programme

2010-11-08T12:25:00.001Z

Here it is at last, the finalised Club Programme. I hope to see you all there,
Regards,
Simon
MBS Chairman

All bids are ON!!

2010-11-01T13:49:00.002Z

This years collectors pot auction is well underway see here more here www.stonemonkeyceramics.co.uk

Now who's tree's are these......

2010-10-27T22:23:00.003+01:00

You know who you are gents!!1 Well done!!

Out with the Old and in with the Nude!!!!

2010-10-27T15:37:00.004+01:00

That got your attention!!

As October saw the end of our membership year Monday 1st November heralds the start of what we hope will be another enjoyable and successful Bonsai year. With the weather that we have had recently Autumn could well have given our trees a wee bit of a body swerve leave them with more of a Winter Image!!!

Monday’s meeting is an Open Workshop so wrap up warm and bring plenty to work on as this will be the last Workshop of 2010 as December gives way to our Annual Fish n Chip supper and quiz. I hope to see you all there!!

Stone Monkey 2010 Collectors Pot

2010-10-25T12:20:00.001+01:00

Coming soon......

Here's our Graham with a little reminder....

2010-10-13T05:53:00.002+01:00

No it's not Cilla and "Blind Date" but Graham with an excellent technique for hiding horrible scars. I want to see you all practicing at the next workshop ;-)

Last Nights Meeting

2010-10-05T05:59:00.007+01:00

Well last nights AGM and Auction proved a popular event. I think we had the most members attend an AGM on record, thanks to all who atteneded. Your input was invaluable. Following the AGM we had our annual auction of member unwanted Bonsai related items, so members went away with a bargains galore. Mick P won Tree of the Month with Autumn colour and won the league for 2009/10. Well done Mick and well deserved, more one this next month.

Keith eyeing up lots for the auction

The auction went well

Candidates for Tree of the Month

Micks winning tree. Mick was overall winner for ToTm 2009/10, well done Mick

World of Bonsai Series 2 Episode 7

2010-09-30T12:23:00.001+01:00

Enjoy

Lindsay Farr's WorldOfBonsai series 2 episode 7 from lindsay farr on Vimeo.

Next Month's Meeting

2010-09-27T09:11:00.003+01:00

Well next month's meeting on 4th October sees our yearly AGM on the menu. It's your chance to vote in or out committee members and bring your ideas and concerns to the for so that they can be discussed, dissected and diliberated on, or about.

After the AGM we will see our ever popular club auction. So save up some pennies as I am sure there will be some abosolute bargins to be had by all. If there is anything Bonsai related, so don't bring your spouse or kids, that you want to sell on then feel free to bring it along on the evening and we will do our utmost to pass it onto someone else for a fee. The club will also get 10% of monies taken on the night for it's funds

See you next Monday evening.

The Complete Bonsai Shop "SALE"

2010-09-23T09:32:00.003+01:00

"From 2nd October 10am to 17th October The Complete Bonsai Shop in Whitstable, Kent is having a Massive Autumn Sale. Thousands of bargins, bonsai and training material upto half price from shohin to large yamadori"

September Meeting, by no means dead(wood)!!

2010-09-10T09:27:00.010+01:00

Monday’s meeting was another busy affair with the usual suspect, some newcomers and a few Club returnees thrown in to boot!! Although a damp affair the Club Workshop was nothing of the sort with members busily pruning, wiring and admiring the wonderful selection of member’s trees on show.This month’s ToTM was “Deadwood”, no not me as someone kindly put it, but trees featuring deadwood. I think this must have been the closest battle we have had this year with it ending in a tie. I (unfortunately) had the casting vote and the winner, by a nose, was Chris’s fine Chuhin Juniper. Well done sir!!!

We had an unexpected additional feature to the evening with an impromptu tree auction. Keith W had been contacted by the husband of one of the Club’s original members, now unfortunately deceased, offering some of her trees as a donation to the Club. Due to the high volume of members on the night we decided to auction them off there & then rather than waiting for our traditional October auction. Members gave generously and we raised £160.00 which we have allocated to pay for the Club marquee we brought earlier in the year. In recognition of her time with the MBS and her husband’s generosity, this will now be known as the “Prue Memorial Marquee”.

Thank you one and all for your support to the Club and enjoy your new trees. I expect updates!!!!

World of Bonsai Series 2 Episode 6

2010-09-09T05:55:00.001+01:00

Enjoy

Lindsay Farr's WorldOfBonsai series 2 episode 6 from lindsay farr on Vimeo.

World of Bonsai Series 2 Episode 5

2010-08-31T05:48:00.001+01:00

More from our friend Lindsey down under....

WorldOfBonsai series 2 episode 5 from lindsay farr on Vimeo.

Mr Potter does some Magic, that's Graham not Harry.

2010-08-31T05:45:00.002+01:00

Enjoy

Le Sleeping Dragon

2010-08-25T05:41:00.004+01:00

My tree was published in the French Bonsai Magazine, "Esprit Bonsai", as a result of the Plourhan Bonsai show in Normandy of May this year. Simon and Les also got a mention for showing. See for your self and if you parlez even better

My tree bottom right, semi cascade Juniper

Better Late than Never!!!

2010-08-24T13:46:00.007+01:00

Sho-no!!!!!

2010-08-20T09:17:00.004+01:00

Whilst I was away on holiday I moved my trees to my dad’s garden so that they got watered in my absence (not that they needed much due to the rain we had!) and over the last few days I’ve been bring them back home. With less trees in the garden and a bit of fine weather I’ve had a chance to plan my work load for the coming weeks. Imaging to my horror that some of my more developed Shohin trees are not Shohin at all as they are too tall!!!!

I like to think of myself as a devotee of Shohin & Mame bonsai and although my trees might have “looked” right they are now heading to the “Kifu” category (20-35cm in height). With my planned display at the BSA in 2012 looming I now face a dilemma of either living with these “oversize” trees and looking for replacements or looking at ways of reducing their overall height.

Just as I thought that I was starting to get the hang of this Bonsai lark only to be thwarted by “Mr Tape Measure”.
Oh well, the best laid plans and all that!!!

Peter Warren Videos

2010-08-19T18:33:00.004+01:00

Peter has done some videos for Phil over at Bonsai Basho. Here is one all about Bonsai Tools

World of Bonsai Series 2 Episode 4

2010-08-19T18:30:00.001+01:00

Enjoy

WorldOfBonsai series 2 episode 4 from lindsay farr on Vimeo.

You can’t hide forever...

2010-08-15T20:14:00.005+01:00

I’ve always enjoyed a nice Azalea – (or two or three…..), much to the disapproval of my, Shohin, and “less is more bonsai buddies” as most Azalea’s at least once a year are pretty full on!

But as they say it takes different folks for different pokes! Or something like that….

New Tree in Japan 2009

New tree after clearing quarantine uk

Now let the fun begin

Remove all downward branches.
Stop for head scratch
Break out the saw
Start wiring
Tension wire when 4mm doesn’t move it!
Continue to fine prune
Wound seal
Water and feed and wait for next may.

Finished for now anyway

I think I'm turning Japanaese, I really think so.....

2010-08-11T06:02:00.003+01:00

As the "Vapours" stated back in the good ol' 80's when music was great and comedy was the legendary Richard Pryor. I have tried and hopefully not failed to take my tea bowl fetish to the next level with a Stone Monkey take on Japanese presentation and packaging. Well you'll get the idea when you see the pictures, each tea bowl or pair of bowls comes in its own cloth bag and a signed handmade box.

August Meeting - Ever wondered how a Sardine Feels?

2010-08-03T09:08:00.005+01:00

Last night’s meeting was a wonderful success with the hall cram pack with members, visitors and wonderful Shohin & Mame trees that it was almost standing room only. Is this because of the growing interest in Shohin bonsai or was it the magnetic attraction of our final Guest Speaker of the year John Armitage, Chairman of the British Shohin Association? Whatever the answer it was a fantastic evening during which John entertained and educated the audience with his experiences of his visits to Japan and his love of Shohin bonsai. Spirits were high with plenty of witty banter between the assembled members and our guest and somehow some of it fell at my door!!

Our Tree of the Month produced some wonderful trees from our members and you should all be proud of yourselves as John was totally impressed and is now even more convinced the BSA NEEDS an event in the South of England and I know that from what he saw he knows that we have the trees and interest to make this happen and be a success. Congratulations to you all and especially to Mick P for bringing his Korean Hornbeam that scooped the overall honours!!

Just for Simon...

2010-07-27T22:15:00.002+01:00

...well a few more of you may enjoy this link to some fantastic Japanese Shohin Bonsai

HERE

World of Bonsai Series 2 Episode 3

2010-07-26T22:29:00.001+01:00

For your delectation...

WorldOfBonsai series 2 episode 3 from lindsay farr on Vimeo.

Time for Tea (Bowls)

2010-07-20T13:30:00.005+01:00

Here are a few Chawan that came out of the kiln over the weekend and also from a Raku firing that I did.

Last nights meeting

2010-07-06T21:51:00.009+01:00

Last night we all got stuck into working on our trees. Bit of trimming here, bit of wiring there and lots of carving. I got stuck into carving my privet stump and did some work on Micks Elm and Simon's Tamerisk

Simons tree pre carve

Post carve

Winner of the ToTm waa Keith with his wonderful Maple

July Meeting

2010-07-01T10:32:00.001+01:00

Our next Club meeting is nearly upon us, doesn’t time fly when you are having fun?

The meeting will again be an Open Workshop but a heads up for the faint hearted. Andy & I will be doing some carving work so out will be coming the "cutters of mass destruction" and the safety goggles. If anyone else has some deadwood help/advice this meeting will be a must. See you all there and don’t forget your earplugs!!!

Even Bonsai Potters Need a Break

2010-06-30T22:04:00.010+01:00

Well every now and then I like to have a dabble in something not too Bonsai related. I find it a great way to express myself and leave the Bonsai Pot world alone for a while. I even find that when I do something different I find inspiration from it and end up employing a few ideas and techniques in the world of the Bonsai pot.

I made a few "Yunomi"

and also some Raku jewelery.

Didn't we 'ave a Loverly time the day we went to.... Capel Manor!!

2010-06-29T11:06:00.007+01:00

Sunday saw our first “unofficial” Club outing to the BTA event at Capel Manor in sunny Enfield. Although short on numbers, 4 enthusiastic members, Keith W, Dean, Janet & myself were joined by my wife Sally for a Sunday run out. Andy was there trading so the MBS were quite well represented at the event. The various traders were doing a brisk trade and I know that a few of our motley crew walked away with some prized possessions of their own (you know I mean you Keith!!).

I hope that we can get a bigger party to attend next year but for those members that were unable to attend here’s a few pictures from the Show. Enjoy!!

Sorry all the photos are Shohin or Mame but I forgot to charge my camera before I left!!!

Bearsted Fayre 2010

2010-06-29T10:49:00.013+01:00

Another year, another Show and another success!!

Our annual pilgrimage to the Bearsted Fayre & Carnival proved to be a popular day with members and the public alike. Blessed with glorious weather, and some stunning trees, the day was wonderful. Here’s some of the trees that we had on show.

As one would expect, Dean’s Azalea wooed the crowds all day long with some people spotting it from the other side of the Green and making a B-line for it. Unfortunately we had a few more inquisitive fingers than in past years but overall the public were very appreciative of our stand and the hard work that is put in to show the trees at their best.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members that either brought trees along or made them available for the Show but the biggest “thank you” must go to Janet. A year ago she was not even a Club member but this year she came along, sold raffle tickets like a demon and showed a tree for the very first time!! Congratulations Janet and I hope to see you and your trees back next year!!!

My First French Bonsai Online Interveiw

2010-06-27T19:37:00.003+01:00

I was interviewed online by the French Bonsai Forum "Parlons Bonsai" as a result of the show in Plourhan a few weeks ago.

Here is a link to the forum, if you speak French even better :-)

Regards

Andy

Get Well Soon!!!

2010-06-23T09:48:00.004+01:00

Two of our members, Mick P & Les S are recoving from/waiting for hospital visits and I would just like to say, on behalf of the membership, "Get Well Soon". We all miss your drive and input to Club meetings and hope that you have a speedy recovery and will be able to join us again very soon!!!

Best Wishes,

Simon & the MBS Team

World of Bonsai Series 2 Episode 2

2010-06-22T07:26:00.000+01:00

Enjoy

WorldOfBonsai series 2 episode 2 from lindsay farr on Vimeo.

Budget Bonsai Boy's Privet

2010-06-17T14:54:00.015+01:00

Some of you might remember my visit to Green Lawns in July and that I picked up a couple of “cheap as chips” pieces of material. Well I’ve been persuaded to do a progression of one of the trees after a thread that I put up on the IBC.

As is normal for me at Bonsai nurseries, I go round doing a rather impressive impersonation of Gollum from Lord of the Rings (I’s sneaking my precious!!). Too many times to mention I’ve been found rummaging around pots of raw material muttering to myself and this day was exception. After much “sneaking”, and a few bites from rouge stinging nettles, I found my next victims - opps, potential bonsai. As everyone loves a bargain I was very surprised that the 2 trees came to a sum total of only £30.00. One was a Hazel (I know the leaves are too large) which I’m hoping to make into a larger Shohin for Winter image only (how sad) and a ‘ickle wickle clump Privet. As Privet is fast becoming the new Black I thought I’d give this a go as they seem to be very popular with our Liverpudlian cousins so I thought “why not?”

Although it had been a long day for this little Monkey, I spent the journey home planning my next course of action. As I was charged the princely sum of £5.00 for the Privet I thought it best I spent some time weighing up my options. Snip, snip, options sorted!!

There was a rotten branch and some deadwood in the centre (I’ve gotta watch this deadwood on deciduous fetish I’m getting) so I got out the dremel to see what was in there. After an hour or so, and a couple of Summertime beverages, my work was done and here's what I did with it!!

Flash forward a year
Over the last year the tree (can I actually call it a tree?) was fed and pruned lightly just so I didn’t kill it. It put on tons of growth so in the Spring I decided to put it in its first ever Bonsai pot. The last pictures were taken after its second haircut of the year, and a wee bit of wiring, and it is well on its way to becoming a lovely little clump. I'm trying to get movement into the braches by clip & grow (probably wrong but when do I do things the right way!) as I'm struggling to get the wire into some places. The larger "stump" on the left will be reduced over time but overall I'm quite happy with the result. I still have a way to go with this little monster but you can’t complain as it only cost me the same as a packet of fags!!!

So if you are out and about at a bonsai nursery or garden centre, keep an ear out for a muttering little monkey cursing and lurking whilst on the lookout for his precious. You never know, it could be me!!