COMMISSIONED WORK

Commissions are one of the most exciting parts of our business.

We have undertaken many commissions over the last few years.

We find it a real challenge to interpret the ideas of our client and transfer these through the chosen medium into a final piece of work which they are pleased with and are happy to own.

Commissioned work has a number of stages :

1. Initial consultation discussion around ideas location of piece, size and colors and estimated costs.
   
   
2. Then a rough draft is produced for the client. If that is satisfactory we begin the detailed drawings for approval, at this stage we ask for a small deposit to cover the cost of the design work, this is normally a percentage of the total estimated costs.
   
   
3. When the detailed drawing is approved we ask for our client to sign an approval document. We then begin to produce the piece.
   
   
4. Only when the piece is finished do we invoice the client and deliver the final work.
   

CLICK HERE to see more works

Monquhanny Accommodation

You will receive a warm welcome at Monquhanny, a traditional manse set in 2 acres of walled ground and gardens. It is a place to relax, unwind and generally be spoilt a little.

Accommodation is offered in en-suite rooms with TV, hair dryer, bath robes, hospitality trays and electric blankets.

The large comfortable lounge has an open fire, a well stocked library, and a selection of DVD and CD's reflecting a wide range of our musical tastes and special interests.

For the guests who travel light, there is a laundry room where, for a small charge, you can refresh your wardrobe.

We try to be child friendly, and can provide a cot, high chair and have child gates and fireguard available. We have child locks on cupboards draws and doors where appropriate, and we are always happy to provide children's portions of fresh cooked food.

Cooking is one of our special interests, using fresh local products and our own herbs, salads and vegetables.

With her experience in running the award winning Smithy Restaurant, Judi provides varied and interesting menus to meet most dietary needs.

CLICK HERE to see more pictures and sample menus

Our stone sculpture arose from our fascination with ancient stone circles and henges, which seem to offer us a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of ancient people and the way they communicated.

We have many ancient stones in Orkney and on Shapinsay we have the Oddenstone and the Morstein, as well as ancient brochs and cairns which always attract us. On a beautiful sunny evening there is definitely a feeling of oldness and whispers of ancient mysteries in these places.

When an opportunity arose for us to quarry stone from the bedrock of our island home, the idea of our own stone circle took root.

Last summer, with the help of our artist in residence and other friends, we designed a circle, quarried the stones, hand worked and shaped them, and we learned to see what the stones said to us before specially designing pieces of glass to compliment the stones.

The result is an astonishing circle of 14 stones placed around an old earth mound.
The stones are placed in the location we felt was right, for example : the "Northern Lights" stone is placed towards the north, and the "Sunstones" are placed were they reflect both the rising and setting sun.

We have plans to extend the circle next year and place ”watch” stones at the compass points.
These stones are offered as celebratory or decorative stones and will be available on a commission only basis, as each stone will be crafted and designed to meet the client's specification and will be a totally unique and lasting feature.

Costs for a 5 ft to 6 ft stone with stained glass inserted start at £500
Smaller decorative stones for garden or terrace from £100

CLICK HERE to see more stone sculptures

Our purpose built workshop has stunning views to the Northern isles mezzanine floor for painting, designing, or chilling out. A large, light and well equipped workshop, a library area, and computer and photocopier access for design work.

We have a range of necessary materials and equipment for your use including safety equipment
Each course includes safety instructions, tips on designs, demonstration of techniques, assistance with developing your piece, and finishing methods. Some of the art tuition will be outside giving you the opportunity to see some of our beautiful island.

During your visit you will be offered teas, coffees, home bakes and a light lunch. If you are staying with us you will have full accommodation for as many days as you choose.

Costs of a day workshop, including light lunch and materials is £55.
Courses run between 9.00am until 4.30pm

A two day workshop including full board and materials is £245 per person.
Courses run between 9am and 4.30pm over both days.