Craft

TDF in Adelaide - JamFactory Studio Visit

Written
by
Lucy Feagins
Writer
Lucy Feagins
24th of October 2011
Metalwork studio at Adelaide's JamFactory.  Jewellers are an orderly bunch.  All photos - Lucy Feagins
Peta Kruger in her studio, working on a new range of limited edition earrings for Melbourne's new jewellery gallery Studio X! (Opening in the CBD and online very soon!)
Peta Kruger's works in progress
The studio of jeweller Peta Kruger at the JamFactory. All photos - Lucy Feagins

Goooood morning TDF pals!  This week we have something a little special for you - The Design Files in Adelaide!

After the great success of our Tassie-inpired week a little while back, we thought it might be nice to take another interstate trip, and document some creative happenings in sunny South Australia!

Yes Adelaide is indeed a tiny and sleepy little city, but it is also such a truly beautiful, warm and welcoming place to visit.  What struck me most during my visit last month was the incredible hospitality of everyone Adelaidian I met!  I was taken on a tour of Adelaide's best shopping, eating and views of the city lights from the hills with the wonderful Emma Aiston and Daniel To.  Fellow blogger Tara of The Beautiful Soup picked me up one morning and took me for breakfast and some furniture fossicking!  I photographed some gorgeous Adelaide houses too - and every single homeowner picked me up and drove me back to where I was staying!  I had such a lovely, busy 4-day stay.  Needless to say  I came back with a few fabulous new finds - and a few new friends too.  AND of course a swag of SA houses for your snooping pleasure!

Today we're going to kick things off with a post about Adelaide's most exciting creative hub - The JamFactory.  There really is nowhere quite like this place anywhere else in Australia! The JamFactory is where craft gets serious.  Located right in the centre of town, JamFactory is brimming with creative talent, housing 4 studios (furniture, metal, glass and ceramics) a retail shop and 5 gallery spaces.  JamFactory is a not-for-profit organisation that supports, promotes and teaches local designers and makers, also offering ongoing studio space for associates once they have completed their studies.  JamFactory also offers design and production services, skills workshops for beginners and professionals, education programs for schools, an artist in residence program, and they're currently prototyping a range of handcrafted JamFactory homewares - the beautiful Kink Oil bottle is the first in this collection.  That sure is a lot going on under one roof!

During my visit I was especially enamoured with the glass studio - a world class facility with a viewing platform so visitors can sit above the studio and watch the glass artists at work.  It's a mesmerising experience - and a little hot!   I was lucky enough to meet a few talented glass artists whose work I have long admired, such as Amanda Dziedzic, Danielle Rickaby and Kristel Britcher.  (and I roped them in to make some things for The Design Files Open House too, so stay tuned on that!).

In this post I have shared some of my shots taken during a visit through the JamFactory studios... however all this week you can also visit the Guest Blog for a more in depth look at each JamFactory studio and the creatives who work there!

DO visit the JamFactory's fab new website and blog for lots more info on this incredible organisation.  JamFactory is open to the public seven days a week.  Do not miss it next time you're in SA!

JamFactory 19 Morphett st Adelaide SA 5000

Opening hours Monday to Saturday 10.00am – 5.00pm Sunday 1.00pm – 5.00pm Closed Public holidays
Amanda Dziedzic (left) and Danielle Rickaby in the glass studio making one of Amanda's stunning glass 'Bonsai'!  AMAZING to watch!
Amanda Dziedzic shapes the Bonsai
Danielle Rickaby gives the Bonsai another burst in the furnace.  I have no idea what the exact terminology should be.  Anyway.  It's a great spectator sport. :)
Glass colour swatches hanging on the wall of the glass studio
Woodworking studio - bowls on desk by Samantha Bosward
Woodworking studio details
Ceramics studio
Ceramic department details
Ceramics studio
Ceramic ice creams of course

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