Well, today is officially our last day in the studio. We have a final presentation of our work at the end of January 2013 but regular visits to the studio over the intervening period are unlikely.

This is sad on one level but also suits the phase we are about to enter. We have been very successful in developing the project in a way that satisfies our aims and curiosities but now it's time to build something. Our aim is to unveil a fairly fully-fledged prototype as part of our final presentation. We want people to touch it, play it, discuss it.

One of the best aspects of our time in the studio has been the people we have encountered and the ways in which this has helped to solve various issues along the way. We are engaging a number of people we have met; Rob Beecroft from Birmingham Accordion Centre is building the bellows &c, Laurens and the team at Amalgam are helping with the advanced manufacturing, Peter Bennett is assisting with some technical challenges (as are others), and my neighbour Mark is assisting with the woodworking. OK, so I knew my neighbour before our residency ;)

There is much more to come, and ultimately we hope we will secure support for this project to flourish, but I’d just like say what a damn fine and inspirational time I have had. Only good can come of all this! Tim is amazing, iShed is amazing, Bristol is amazing…and even my Bristol Parents are amazing! Massive props to you all! Oh and happy Crimbo. See you on the other side.

Sam.