Seasons Greetings.

I had a wonderful time in Westport last weekend at the Craft Fair, I met lots of interesting people and a BIG Thank You to all  that bought my handiwork.

In the distance you can see some jeweler by Carolyn Mitchell and the other side of my stand I had Ruth Cadden an artist with lovely prints. They were excellent company and added to the enjoyment of the weekend. Only a couple of days left until Christmas day. I am busy preparing for a nice family gathering so if I don't get back here before the 25th. I wish you all a Happy, Warm and Peaceful Christmas.

Westport Craft Market

I have been so busy preparing for the Craft Market this week-end I have not had a moment to put up any new posts. So just a reminder if you are in Co. Mayo over the weekend come along to Westport Shop 'Spraoi na Nollag, at James Street Car Park and St Anne's Boxing Club. I will be in the Boxing Club so be sure to come in and say Hello. Maybe tomorrow I 'll get a chance to post some photos of my stall.

Shop n 'Spraoi, Westport.

I am busy making lovely goodies for Shop-n-Spraoi na Nollag Craft Fair which will be held in Westport, Co. Mayo on the weekend of  December 14th. These two lovely ladies will be there with hopefully lots of friends. Wouldn't you love to find one of them in your Christmas stocking.

Rushing now as I have to get back to the sewing machine to sew sew sew..............

Little Houses

I saw some lovely felt houses over on Dr...Vrakator Blogs HERE, They were made as favors. I thought I'd have a go at making some with fabric. I got Inkjet fabric sheets from America, I'm not sure if they are available here, I had printed some text on a sheet and had no idea where I would use it.  I put them on the back of the houses. I think they would make a nice alternative to a greeting card and you can hang them, maybe on a Christmas tree or door knob.

Apologies to all those that follow this Blog because of my art, I seem to be in Craft mode these days. I have done nothing in the paint studio for ages.

Bags, boxes and books

Here are a few more bags I made for the dolls. I am making a hand made book for each one with their biography, I'm really enjoying this part of the project and now that they are complete I hate parting with them.

This is the box I made for the doll "I am odd who are you?"

This book has interesting fold out pages, I am  trying out different book making methods. They are a  nice manageable size as they fit into the pocket on the outside of the bag.

The other side of this bag is very different, this was intentional as I want it "odd"

I may have got a little carried away with the interior of this box, I may calm it down a little later.

There are more dolls in the making so if you want one for Christmas you better get your order in soon.

Goodbye Dolly

This little dolly has gone to Oregon. She flew there last Sunday and has already been admired in her new home in Grants Pass.

I made her a bag to keep her safe and warm.

The bag has a pocket on the outside to keep her story book.

Tomorrow I will show you some more of the bags and books I made for the other dolls.

Aran Knitwear

I just love the texture of Aran Knitwear. I can't understand why we don't use the pattern image on more gifts, table-mats, postcards, mouse pads etc.

The honeycomb stitch is a symbol of the hard working bee.

The diamond is a wish of success, wealth and treasure.

The wool is known as  báinín (pronounced "bawneen"), a yarn made from sheep's wool, 

these pictures were all taken in The Connemara Marble Shop, Recess. And could I feature all this wool without a photo of a sheep? Of course not.

Doodle and Sketch

It has been a lovely quiet week so I thought I'd show you a sketch or two.

The sketch below is of my Mother she was in hospital recently and sketching helped me pass some time while she slept.

Clifden Arts Week

I'm Odd Who are you?
This is the title of a mini exhibition I have on Derval Joyce's shop window for Clifden Arts week currently on in that quaint town on the edge of the Atlantic in Connemara Co. Galway. They are a collection of the Papier-mache dolls I made in the spring time after doing a course in West Dean with Julie Arkel, they are very much inspired by her work. Also on the window are two paintings by my nephew Mark Joyce.......you could say we like to keep it all in the family!
Apologies for the reflections in the glass, I still can't get that right.

September

I love this time of year. It has been an age since I posted, time has not been my own lately so I have been away from Blog-land, but I'm hoping to get back to normal routines soon. Meanwhile here are some photos I hope to make paintings from whenever I get back into the studio after a long summer recess.
I love the outline of the farm house on the hillside and the shelter belt of conifers protecting it from the Westerly winds. Many of my paintings have this image.

The Pothole Gardener

I have been neglecting you for the past while, Just busy times.
I saw this the other day.. Steve Wheens imaginative gardening in East London and the reaction to it. It made me smile.

Ah summer, Where are you?

Still raining here, I think we have broken all records now for summer rain fall. But it does make the hedgerows grow, here are a few pictures I took last week in Connemara when the sun appeared for a few seconds.

The Gorse is finishing but the Fuchsia is in full bloom and the and Montbretia is appearing

I took all of these photos in Shanakeela a town land between Maam Cross and Recess in Connemara. It was mid morning and as I looked up the road I took the photo below, an image of an ideal life, one man and his dog.

I have painted this place, I love the conifers on the top of the hill, I have shown you the painting before but for those that have not seen it  here is the print of it and it is available to buy over at Design Basket

Second A.L.A.W.

I was a bit slow getting started on my second alphabet for A Letter a Week mainly because I could not think  of a format. I tried various ideas. Firstly Big and Bold

Then I tried cutting the letter out but I found that too difficult and knew I'd never finish it.

 Then I tried something more technical, which I enjoyed doing but I made the mistake of only having a small amount of the paper so I'd have to start it again with different paper if I was to reach "Z" and I did not want to do that.

eventually I decided to go with this

You can see more of it and the other alphabets over at A.L.A.W.

Have a good weekend.