Welcome to the Journal
This is where I share little glimpses of life at Villa Rustica—stories from our days as makers, the workshops we hold and lovers of the slower, quieter things. Greg (a clay enthusiast) and I (mosaic is my thing) both work from studios here on the property. We spend our time making art, tending to the gardens and chickens, and soaking in the beauty and stillness of this special place we call home.
Firing the wood-fired kiln
“I was surprised how it’s such a primal process and so different from flicking the switch on an electric kiln. Wood-firing is the alchemy of fire and clay and the results are unpredictable as the clay is marked by the path of the flame.”
Mosaic Workshop
Here’s a recap of the amazing projects made by students in our Garden Mosaic Workshop. The students were given the choice to decorate a birdbath or design a stepping stone…
Garden Mosaic Workshop
Join us for a fun and creative Garden Mosaic Workshop where you’ll learn to make a beautiful mosaic for your garden.
Spirit Totem Pole Workshop
Create your own personalised clay totem pole in a two-day workshop under the tutorage of experienced ceramicist, Susan Isherwood.
Focus on Form Workshop
Caitlin Hepworth encourages students to think differently about sculptural mosaic where the form is as important as the mosaic.
Mosaic Coptic Crosses
Making a mosaic cross is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. After deciding on the design and colour combination, I lay a mass of gold tiles face-up on a tray.
Our favourite wedding suppliers
Although we are no longer hosting weddings at Villa Rustica, we are excited to recommend some wonderful suppliers we’ve worked with over the years.
Pottery Studio & Gallery
Exciting news! We now have a gallery at Villa Rustica displaying our ceramics and mosaics.
Chasing Unicorns
Chasing Unicorns is a local label celebrating individual style with vintage-inspired clothing. See how they used our space during their recent photoshoot.
Rachel & Steven’s Micro Wedding
What do you do when your plans for a French chateau wedding are derailed due to Covid-19? Here is Rachel and Steven’s story.
A Stroll of the Mosaics at Villa Rustica
The rendered walls and tropical gardens at Villa Rustica offer endless opportunities for decorating with mosaic.
Making for Community
Greg chooses to work as a sole practioner yet he stays connected to the wider community by participating in local events and charities. Here’s how these events influence his art practise.
From Villa to Wellness Centre…
In May this year, just as Australia was grappling with the coronavirus, a location scout knocked on our door to see if we would consider renting Villa Rustica as a location set.
Eloping at Villa Rustica
With the demand for intimate weddings increasing due to Covid-19, we have begun opening our doors for couples to get married in the romantic surrounds of Villa Rustica.
Kumquats 3 Ways
Kumquats are polarising – people either love or hate them! I’ve been experimenting with recipes to make the most of this versatile – and often underappreciated - citrus fruit.
Greg’s Story
Every potter comes to clay a different way and mine started with a series of misadventures.
Upcoming Art Workshops
Our plan to hold small artisan workshops throughout this year has temporarily been put on hold due to the situation surrounding COVID-19.
5 Years At Villa Rustica
Early January 2020 marks our 5th anniversary at Villa Rustica. Greg and I had thought about celebrating but, with bushfires burning uncontrollably in so many parts of Australia, we were in no mood to party.
5 Minutes Of Fame
Last week we opened Ashy Bines‘ health and fitness magazine to see beautiful photos of Greg’s tableware in the recipe section. Artisan hand-made tableware is a huge trend in food blogs and cooking books and magazines.
Piyama
Sleeping in on Sundays, lazily grazing on maple-drenched pancakes in bed, slowly moseying to the verandah to sip a rejuvenating cup of tea, before dozing in a hammock, unfinished book in hand – these are the slow motions of what dream weekends are made of.