Since October last year, I have been taking ceramic lessons from Elizabeth Lawrence at her studio in Beecroft. Elizabeth has worked in ceramics for 43 years. She has been teaching at the Macquarie Community College for more than 20 years and at Beecroft Primary School with kindergarten to year 6 children.

I admire Elizabeth's passion for teaching and for ceramics. Elizabeth, who recently celebrated her 75th birthday, has never cancelled a class, not even when she was receiving health treatments!

During the evening classes I attend, Elizabeth would tell stories of her younger students, the children from the Beecroft Primary School. She taught them how to make ceramic swords, complete with their own badges and told them about the custom of tying a ribbon or a piece of cloth onto the sword as a token from their loved ones. They made ice cream cones from clay and other interesting projects that I wish I could have done when I was in primary school (it would have definitely made school more interesting).

Elizabeth has a wealth of knowledge in ceramics. Her studio is packed with works she has done over the years. Students at her studio are welcomed to replicate the works, and Elizabeth is always at hand to assist when required. What I love about her is that no matter how silly my question sounds, she is always so calm and patient.

If you live in Sydney, and want to learn how to do pottery, I would highly recommend enrolling into her class.

How to enrol: http://www.macquarie.nsw.edu.au/course/POTTABC
When: Usually weeknights, 2 hours each class, runs for 8 sessions

I read an article the other day which talks about how to increase your income. Basically, take $500 of your salary and then think of ways to make that money grow.

Why $500? Well, that amount is substantial enough (a pair of really nice leather boots) to do something with and yet if the idea fails, it's not so substantial (5 pairs of good work shoes) that it will impact my lifestyle.

The first thing that came up to my mind was, to spend it buying shares. But this idea was quickly squashed with the realisation that I have no clue at all about dealing with shares.

So... what's my idea? I'll let you know once I have it all finalised. :)