Demonstrations...

Two of today's models...

Having advertised a new demonstration series on Saturday mornings in Tunbridge Wells, Frances has now completed the first of these - Sugar Animal Dogs from her "Twenty To Make.." Series. 

Seats were limited to ensure that all could get a close and intimate view of the whole demonstration and spaces went quickly, but the two and a half hours seemed to fly by and the home made, still warm muffins were also a great hit.

If you're interested in the coming demonstrations then keep your eye on the Frankly Sweet website, Facebook page and Twitter feed for news as they come up. You can also register to receive news emails as and when they are sent in order to keep abreast of all Frances's news. 

The Latest Class List

Sugarcraft classes with Frances McNaughton in Tunbridge Wells, Kent

• Saturday 29 March     Peony Spray

Beautiful realistic peony with leaves and buds, perfect for using on wedding cakes and for other special occasions.

• Saturday 19 April     Modelling chocolate - Introduction

Easter is here- that must mean CHOCOLATE!! In this class you will learn how to make modelling chocolate, and make chocolate roses and simple models. The big advantage of using modelling chocolate is of course that your cake decorations will also be delicious!

• Saturday 10 May     Tiny Sugar Shoes and Bags- Introduction

Come and make a large selection of tiny shoes and bags. Perfect for anyone who hasn’t tried making miniatures before. Just the right size for cupcakes. Discover how easy it is to use different basic shapes to make different parts for the shoes and bags.

• Saturday 17 May     Buxom Fairy

Make this delightful ‘voluptuous’ fairy. A lovely modelling class in which you can personalise your own fairy with suggestions from Frances.

• Saturday 24 May     Introduction to Royal Icing

Learn how to make Royal Icing, piping bags, basic piping skills including writing. Build your confidence in a skill which is very useful in many styles of cake decorating.

• Saturday 31 May     Fairy Dressmaker’s and shoemaker’s workshop

Let your imagination fly when designing dresses and shoes for fairies. Final designs will be displayed on a tiny dressmaker’s dummy.

• Saturday 7 June      Tiny Sugar Shoes and Bags - Glitz and Bling

Create a gorgeous selection of shoes and bags to include animal prints, edible glitter and ‘bling’. A lovely follow-on class for anyone who has already started making tiny shoes.
 

• Saturday 14 June     Fancy Dress Babies

Make two sweet babies dressed in character ‘onesies’. One is dressed as a tiger, the other as a flower.

• Saturday 21 June     Introduction to Wired Sugar Flowers- Rose and Lily Spray

Learn how to make this delightful wired spray of roses, lily and leaves. This is a good introduction to flowermaking and colouring flowers with realistic powder colours.

• Saturday 28 June     Sugar Dogs

Be the first to come and learn how to make simple sugar dogs with the author following the release of Twenty to make, Sugar Dogs by Frances McNaughton. Great fun for anyone who loves dogs, or who makes cakes and would like to add another set of models to their skills.
 

ALL CLASSES START AT 10 am AND FINISH AT APPROX 4.30pm

MAXIMIUM FOUR PEOPLE PER CLASS

For full details please contact frances.mcnaughton@gmail.com

Classes With Frances - Book Soon, While Still Available

Sugarcraft Classes with Frances McNaughton in Tunbridge Wells

Phone Frances direct for bookings 07850 105605,

Or email frances.mcnaughton@gmail.com

All materials and equipment provided. Tea and coffee freely available

Saturday 8 March 9.30am to 4.30pm

‘Buxom Fairy’ from my latest book £80 (Includes Light Lunch)

  　

Classes will be for a maximum of four people to ensure that everyone gets plenty of attention.

If you have any questions about the classes please contact me direct.

Payment is due in full at the time of booking

Payment can be made by card over the phone, or by BACs

Bank details and address of venue will be notified at the time of booking

A full refund will be given if the class does not run for any reason.

If you have to cancel your place, let me know as soon as possible- if someone else can take your place you will be offered a voucher towards a later class. If I am unable to fill your place, a refund will not be possible.

If you have a group of friends who would like to get together for a class with me, give me a call.

If you have a special project you would like help with, I'm available for one-to-one classes- call me to discuss your needs.

Frances McNaughton

　

Exciting News....

Firstly I would like to wish all of you a peaceful Christmas and a very happy and healthy new year.

I have exciting news about next year - I am going to be moving house again, and will have a studio workshop at the new place so that I can concentrate on my sugarcraft work once more. The good news is that I will be able to teach in my own studio again after a break of four years. I'm planning that the classes will be for a maximum of four people to ensure the best assistance and supervision. The cost of the full-day classes will include use of all equipment and materials, along with refreshments and a light lunch.

There will be some mini half-day classes, and I will also be offering one-to-one classes (weekdays only) starting at two hours, depending on the project you would like to learn.

If you have a group of four friends who would like to come together during the week, classes can be arranged to suit your group.

I have promised various people  that I will travel to different parts of the country for weekend workshops held in hotels- if you are interested in the possibility of a workshop near you, please let me know.

In the next few weeks I will be working on the new timetable, so if you have any specific requests please let me know so that I can consider it.

I will be holding sugar flower-making classes, and intend to have fresh flowers available where possible for the very best results.

Modelling fairies, babies and royal icing classes will also feature, along with a wide variety of other subjects. If you would like to attend any of the classes, but unsure about whether the class is suitable for your skills please contact me when you receive the list. 

There will also be the chance for me to book visiting tutors, and I have a few great ideas for that too.

I am really looking forward to being able to welcome people back to my classes in 2014!

Look out for emails from me about classes and exhibitions I'll be attending. If you change your email address and would like to continue receiving emails from me, please contact me on fran.mac@btinternet.com

or through my Facebook Page HERE

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Frances McNaughton

Oxted Sugarcraft Club - Fancy Dressed Babies

Industrious...

The lovely Surrey town of Oxted was the backdrop to Frances' Fancy Dressed Baby Workshop today and the class seemed to enjoy their time making babies judging by the laughter and smiles. There were times of concentration and quiet industry, but the conversation level soon rose again as each stage was successfully completed.

This is one of Frances' cutest workshops - these babies definitely have the 'aaah' factor - and are always well received and today was no exception. Each of the students completed their models before the end of the day and we hope they learned many tricks and tips in the use of modelling paste and all the tools.

Seriously aaaah!

The book is available HERE with stage by stage photographs and a full equipment and tool list. There are also demonstrations on Frankie's YouTube Chanel HERE.

Watch out for more news of Classes, Demonstrations and Workshops on this Blog and on Frances' Facebook page HERE

Fairy Workshop - Hillingdon BSG

Sunlight streamed through the windows...

The Sun was bright and the air crisply autumnal as 15 members of Hillingdon BSG gathered at Long Lane Hall in Hillingdon for a Fairy Workshop based on work from Frances' new book "Sensational Sugar Fairies".

These days are always fun, both for Frances and the group, but today with the sun blazing through the windows brightening and warming the room, the noise was at times deafening, the ladies nattering away, laughing and learning as they went.

On these workshops Frances provides the materials, tools and expertise to ensure that each student leaves with a fully completed model finished to a high level and all the ladies seemed very pleased with their work today.

The pieces all looked fantastic - it didn't matter if the student was a beginner or a seasoned sugarcrafter - they all looked wonderful and there was a buzz in the air as the ladies cleared away their kit and carefully packaged their models to take home.

A huge thank you to all the group for a wonderful welcome and a hugely enjoyable day - for lemon cake, an endless supply of tea and the lovely biscuits - we had fun too.

Remember, if you would like to arrange a workshop Frances can be contacted on 07850 105605 or on fran.mac@btinternet.com or through her Website and Shop HERE

Sensational Sugar Fairies

Next month sees the publication of Frances' long awaited new Fairy Book: Sensational Sugar Fairies which will be available from her online shop HERE.

In this new book she begins by revealing the tools and readily available materials she uses and goes on to show techniques such as modelling and all the basic shapes required, sculpting with tools dusting or painting to add colour and texturing with royal icing.

There are the ten step by step projects showing how to make beautiful fairies in fairyland scenes. Some are funny or whimsical such as Buxom Fairy and Fairy's Bathtime, others have a fashionable twist like Steampunk Fairy and  Gothic Fairy; some create a world of folklore such as the Flower Fairy's Baby and My Friend The Bird, and others are perfect for special occasions: Be My Wife, Ice Fairy and again, Flower Fairy's Baby. Many like Peacock Fairy are stunningly beautiful. 

Frances is building on the success of her best-selling Twenty to Make: Sugar Fairies and her original book Modelling Fairies In Sugar with these more developed designs, including wonderful scenes for the fairies to star in.

Find us at the NEC in Birmingham in November, but if you can't wait until then click on the link above and order your signed copies now.

Don't forget, Frankie is also available for workshops and will demonstrate how to make these wonderful models in classes in your own area. Why not contact her today at frances.mcnaughton@gmail.com

A Trip To Sweden - Kakburken

Recently, Frankie was invited to Sweden by Camilla of KakBurken - her Facebook page is HERE - to teach Tiny Shoes, Fairies and Fancy Dress Babies for a weekend.

It was a wonderful few days for Frances and she was very well looked after and welcomed by the Swedish enthusiasts. The results in all three workshops were beautiful and the models made were proudly displayed at the end of each session. Judging by the comments on Facebook and Twitter it would seem that the students enjoyed themselves too.

Frances didn't get to see too much of the Swedish Countryside due to a flight delay, but the hospitality of her Swedish hosts left nothing to be desired and left an abiding memory of friendly faces and bright, warm sunshine.

Frankie's present from Sweden

Huge thanks to Camilla, Jonas and Cordelia for their assiduous attention to Frankie's comfort and for looking after her so well.

Bristol Workshop

Jo's Tiger Baby...

In recent weeks, the West Country has been suffering, once again, from incessant wet weather. The rain has been virtually constant and rivers, streams and fields are waterlogged as ever more rain falls on already saturated land. One had to feel sorry for those people who are cleaning out flooded homes for the third time in as many weeks, but by whose demeanour one would never guess the despair they must certainly be feeling, a cheerful face put towards the TV cameras that broadcast their plight across the nation.

The lunches were fantastic

We drove towards this unfolding story on Friday, as Frances had arranged another weekend of classes and workshops at The Aztec Centre in Bristol; one day making a  Fancy Dressed Tiger Baby and some tiny Sugar Shoes and the next day spent creating Lily The Pink Fairies. Whilst the rain continued to pour outside, the ladies laughed and worked their way through the two days, enjoying the company and certainly the lunches, but also leaving with some high class pieces that they had created with a little help from Frankie.

The time flew by and the laughter gradually subsided as each of the students packed away their creations, preparing themselves for the damp and dark journey home. As always we hope the weekend was enjoyed by all and we look forward to meeting our new friends and old again in the future.

Another lunch...and Laura's stray Hubbie...

West Wickham Workshop

On yet another beautiful Saturday morning, with a hint of autumn in the air but with the late season sun pushing away the mist and the heavy dew, Franc and I drove the 40 minutes to West Wickham, just outside Bromley. The sparkling sunbeams made even the M25 look acceptable as we made our way up the hill to junction 4 and turned off towards Bromley.

Today was workshop day and the ladies were all going to make some models from Frankie’s book Sensational Sugar Animals. We settled in and the students spent a very pleasant day modelling wonderful animals from the book; a tabby cat – based on our own gorgeous Riamh –  and a woolly sheep.

We had a delicious lunch with the sunshine still gracing us with its had finished their pieces and carefully packed them away for the journey home. We trust everyone had a great time – there was certainly plenty of laughter in the workroom during the day.

Patchwork Cutter Weekend

Jan's Autumn Fairy

 What a Wonderful Weekend!

We had been invited to The Wirrall by Marion and Gerry Frost of Patchwork Cutters who often run demonstration and Workshop weekends at their fantastic complex near Greasby. We both loved the Countryside and the weather held well until the aftermath of Hurricane Nadine hit the UK on our journey home. The traffic was disrupted as the skies opened, unleashing oceans of rain and gale force winds across the South which steadily moved northwards meeting us on our way back to Kent.

...and the fire escapes are...

It didn't matter though, the journey was well worth it - we were treated like guests by Marion, Gerry and all the friendly ladies who attended. Northern Hospitality is all we could have wished for - we felt like Royalty - and I have no talent, remember!

Gerry and Frankie at Red Rocks

The demonstrations and the Workshops were fully booked covering Tiny Shoes, Fancy Dressed Babies and Fairies from Frankie and some intricate cutter pieces from Marion. The finished work was excellent and everybody took a completed fairy home. Many ladies also made the most of Frankie's new book having arrived just the day before we left and signed copies were eagerly purchased to compliment the Tiny Shoe Cutter Set.

Finished  Fairies

Our huge thanks to Gerry, Marion and everybody who made our weekend memorable and fun. Even Nadine couldn't take the edge of our enjoyment.

wonderful work ladies...

Sugarcraft Weekend - Maidstone

A collection of Lily The Pink Fairies

This was another wonderful weekend that sold out quickly; the opportunity to make Tiny Shoes, Fancy Dressed Babies and The Lily The Pink Fairy. The two days were busy but each student completed the pieces  and took them home with them.

The great thing about these groups and workshops is the camaraderie that develops during the day. By the late afternoon, Facebook, Twitter and e-mail addresses were being exchanged, not just between Franc and the class members, but also among themselves and trying to get them all to go home was a challenge itself.

We sincerely hope that everyone was proud of their work and enjoyed the weekend as much as we did.

Coming Soon.....

......the long awaited book to compliment the Tiny Shoe Cutter set....should be available in October 2012....

Followed by 20 to Make Mini Handbags Book to complete the set......early 2013.....

See us in Holland and Cottenham in October, the NEC in November and Bristol in September....

Sugar Flower Workshop - Tunbridge Wells

Frankie is running a Sugar Flower Workshop in Tunbridge Wells, Kent on Monday 9th July. As places are limited it is vital to book early, please use all the usual channels. This will be a day of fun and learning and you will take home a completed piece. As always all materials and equipment are provided along with a light lunch.

Hope to see you there.

May Newsletter

Frankie's May Newsletter is HERE with upcoming dates for Exhibitions and Workshops - take a look!

BSG International Exhibition - Telford

After a delay of some seven years - the BSG International Exhibition is back - this year at the Telford International Exhibition Centre in Shropshire. Held over two days with over 50 traders stands, the halls were spacious and the exhibits and stands well spread out.

Frances spent her time demonstrating her tiny shoe cutters both on her stand and in the Demonstration Hall and saying hello to all her friends and fans who came up to see her over the two days. 

Her Tiny Shoes are extremely popular and you can check out her demonstrations on YouTube and click on the video below for much more information.

Design-A-Fairy Workshop Telford

The day before the BSG International Exhibition in Telford, Frances arranged to hold a workshop in the Holiday Inn Hotel next to the International Centre.

The class was quickly booked up and the basic concept was for each attendee to design and make their own fairy, choosing designs, clothing and setting with the help of material provided, ideas from Frankie or from the imagination of the modeller herself.

As always materials, tools, lunch, coffees and teas were all provided and each student left with her completed work safely and gently packed away in a box for display later at home.

We had some lovely comments on Facebook regarding the weekend

Some of the Fairies made....

Three Days In Dublin

It's certainly something to which we look forward; seeing our very good friends, the beautiful countryside, places that have some very good memories for us and, this weekend, people with buckets of enthusiasm.It's also a time to catch up with our Trader friends from around the UK and Europe - but mostly it's Ireland, we will never tire of coming here - we even honeymooned in West Cork!

This year, the new committee of the Dublin Sugarcraft Guild had organised a Sugarcraft Exhibition at the Red Cow Hotel just outside the City, and after a relatively trouble free 12 hour journey by car and ferry, we arrived at our destination in time for a well deserved Guinness (for the driver) and a pleasant dinner catching up with our UK and Irish friends.

Carol, Karen and Barry

The exhibition has grown in the fifteen or so years of the Guild's existence, and this year it took a step further in the expansion of its entity by hiring a larger hall and attracting many excited competitors and visitors.The first dawn of the exhibition was bright and clear - a beautiful, if chilly, day with blue skies and long queues of smiling cake-makers and shoppers, catching up, exchanging hints and tips and cheerfully awaiting the opening of the doors. This first day was busy and the general feeling in the hall was one of good natured friendliness There were smiles everywhere, and as the first rush subsided there was plenty of time to stop, watch and chat. On that first day Frankie had a half a dozen more requests for Facebook and our ferried stock was running low by the evening.

Getting ready...

We were able to seriously catch up with all our Irish friends in the evening with several glasses of the black stuff disappearing and some tasty Irish cuisine available. Barry's bottom achieved a worrying low score when its (still clothed) appearance over the bar partition was judged by the ladies who were offered an opportunity to study it closely!

Barry's Bottom - it didn't get close to a "SEVEN"..

See, we told you we would....

Sunday was quieter to start with, but soon picked up with stock running low and enthusiasm still high and eventually, the prizes awarded and the remaining items all loaded back in to the car, we retired to the bar.

Frankie and Adele, our lovely Irish Star.

The last night is usually a time for analysis, to discuss tactics, footfall, problems and successes and tonight was no different. We chatted through the meal, laughed with our Dutch and Irish counterparts, Mike managed to avoid all Barry's attempts to get him to sing, and we persuaded our Friends from Holland to try Baby Guinnesses....

Sabine and Tirza

Overall, a great success, well done to Carol and all her Committee members for their invitation and their organisation...here's to the next one.

Slainte

Gerry and Maz - and Pritt stick..!

The Glitter Boys

Some of the websites of our friends and fellow traders:

Karen Davies Cakes
Patchwork Cutters
Cakes By Bien
Dublin Sugar Craft Guild

Lily The Pink Fairy - Workshops in Maidstone in July

Frankie will be running a weekend of Workshops at the Hilton Hotel in Maidstone on 21st and 22nd July 2012.
Full details can be found on her Facebook Page.

Sugar Sculpture at Addlestone

One of the things Frances loves to do is to work hand in hand with some of the hard working shop owners around the UK - to increase the shop's profile and to extend the range of Frankie's demonstrated work. This weekend she had been invited by Maxine from Sugar Sculpture in Addlestone, just outside Chertsey in Surrey. You can find Maxine's website HERE.

The ladies who attended made the new bride that Franc has been working on and were able to take the finished model home - Frankie likes to ensure that the attendees take away a finished piece - it enables people to study their own work and provides a momento of the day and all the hard work they have put into it.

Franc hopes to be back at SugarSculpture later in the year.



A Finished Bride