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Sylph Baier Ceramics

Sylph Baier Ceramics

Sylph Baier runs residential pottery courses and has a holiday let (gite) in the Dordogne, France

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September 2022. I had the most wonderful and magical time throwing pottery with Sylph at her fairytale farmhouse in the French countryside.

I came with my friend, Gina, in the Fall of 2022. Gina is an intermediate potter. I am a beginner. Not only is Sylph incredibly knowledgeable about ceramics in all forms, she was also terrific at tailoring this experience to me and Gina. In addition, Sylph is a patient instructor and very generous with her time. She was with us at least 12 hours a day, every day, thoughtfully answering any and every question we had.

The 17th century mill we stayed at was very charming. We had hot chocolate croissants for breakfast and fresh eggs from her hens. Sylph cooked lovely dinners for us every night and also booked us lunches at French restaurants that ran the gamut from casual country bistros to fancier old chateauxs with unbelievable views. We loved every meal.

Sylph helped take my throwing to new heights. Literally. I threw 2 lbs of clay which was more than I had ever done before and made a berry bowl which I am very, very happy with. Sylph’s attention to detail and her fine finishing processes will forever stay with me and Gina and inform the ceramics we make from here on out.

Our time with Sylph has reinvigorated our creativity, fed our souls, and left us hungry for more pottery.

She is a dynamic woman and my time at her mill was truly a dream. I will stay in touch!

Jennifer Koman, San Francisco, USA
 

Jenn has also produced two videos of her stay with Sylph. See them HERE

 

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Volunteering

Would you like to stay at this beautiful permaculture small holding for free in exchange for some volunteering work?

We can accommodate up to two volunteers at a time (couples, retired people, travellers, students and digital nomads). We ask for 4-5 hours work per day, Monday to Friday, with the preparation of evening meals being a shared event.
If you are nature lovers, sociable, positive, motivated, interested in organic gardening and enjoy being away from it all - you are welcome!
You would be involved in general ground and garden-work in the vegetable and fruit gardens, paddocks and woodlands and caring for our animals.  Some experience is useful but training can be given for keen visitors who would like to learn about permaculture and organic gardening practices.
In addition to environmental work, you can also be involved with housekeeping, maintenance and renovation from electrical work, plumbing, carpentry to general building and fencing.
We especially need people in the autumn for apple picking and processing, foraging, herb drying and canning and jam making.

Minimum stay is 2 weeks
though longer stays are possible.
The accommodation is comfortable.

 
We have bikes for you to explore locally. For people who come with their own transport there is much to be explored in the Dordogne.
We can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets but prefer someone who is happy to eat what we grow here and forage or source locally! We would also prefer you to be non-smokers and if drinkers, moderate drinkers please!
  If you are interested please apply by emailing info@sylphbaierceramics.com giving brief details about yourself and what volunteering work you would be interested in doing. Also please supply contact details of two referees.

 

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