Back in full swing!

Hello :)


Another week over, I'm happy this week as I've done a huge spring clean of the studio.
The shelves still need to be put together, there more like box shelves four in one unit type of thing.
I'll be using these for displaying product, the lampshades would fit snug into them I think.

I've left the painting, I've come full circle on decision making (I know!) and decided that the pale pink that's already on the walls is rather nice and it's warm. I believe it's good to have a warm, inviting feeling to a place. Originally I wanted everything white, trying to create a gallery like space but I love colour and I'm sticking with warm tones in furnishings and on the walls for now at least. Will paint the inner area of the room eventually white, where I plan to hang and display more of my work. My studio is a sort of an 'L' shape, the loom is situated at the top part of the room. I've neatly labelled and stored everything in separate boxes so no more pulling hairs out of head trying to find something!
Everything has a place, it's probably too neat for an artists studio but that's how I like it.
The same can be said for my work, if I don't like it I start again. But then somebody else might like it so I end up keeping it.
Found a load of canvas boards, Biro's (I'll never be short of a pen again!) and a few things too....oh yes a load of extra craft tissue paper too in a variety of colours and textures that I had originally stored in different bags and boxes. But it's all done now, so yay!

Last thing I need to do is to hang a new blind or a curtain, so picking that up next week.
I had been meaning to get all this done ages ago but, it took a back seat for a few months.

Been asked to make a larger sized lampshade for a customer, so it will be the same as the others except wider. Have a warp on the loom at the moment too.
Will be back in full swing from this week on, so will be kept busy.
Lets hope the snow stays away, won't be travelling much anyway for a while.
Looking at trade shows and getting stock ready for whatever ones I choose to do this year.
A few happening between May and October, still undecided but enquiring.
Hopefully, a few things will happen before May too, but like I said I'm looking into these so will see you never know what might happen!

I think it's going to be a good year though. :) Gráinne.

Goodbye 2012... Hello 2013 - Happy New Year!

 

Happy New Year!!!

 

New Year, New Start, New work on the way! There will be a few changes regards products this year. Staying put are lampshades, mixed media textile paintings (I'm developing and experimenting with new techniques) using a much more calmer colour palette and developing more on the 'Sea Series' - Seaweed Studies collection. There will be Blues, Greens and Purples as normal. There will be a lot of focus on detail and pattern with unusual textures thrown in especially seen in my weaving.

I shall be introducing cushions and woven hangings/textural rugs for the wall.

 Have a few other Ideas too that will be developed later in 2013.

Watch this space!

 

2012 was a very good year for me. The first three months were to honest tough and quiet but then came the 'Irish Furniture Fair' that I did in March 2012 up in the RDS, Simmonscourt that ran for three days. I was exhibiting my work in an area called' New Design Ireland' showcasing new designers in furniture and home accessories. I met many Interior Designers, Gift Retailers and Hoteliers.

 

From there, I was busy for quite a while then came the Summer and I took part in a local exhibition ' Made in Wexford' during the 'Gorey Market House Festival'. Sold almost everything.  Did very well. Wedding presents did well this year....mixed media paintings. 

 

In August, I received a phone call from Ireland's 'House and Home Magzaine' and I featured in their November/December  Christmas Issue alongside ten others in a Christmas Gift Guide (Page 106) I also set up an online shop in July with Pickit.ie which is run by House and Home Magazine. Was nice to appear in a bit of nationwide press at Christmas and to be asked more so.

 

Off the back of it though I've had a few Enquires regards lampshades which are proving to be my second best most popular product of 2012 and I'd say for 2013. In between all of the above there was other things that happened and are about to happen in 2013 amongst the above, but I'm just pointing out a few highlights of the past year. Here's to 2013 and will await what stories/surprises that will bring!

 

Over Christmas I received a load of natural un-dyed linen, silk and woollen yarns amongst other goodies to work with. I also purchased two temples, I have one already so now I have three in different sizes. A temple is a piece of equipment used by hand weavers with very sharp pointed edges on either side used for weaving to keep the edge/selvage in a straight line.

I also purchased a few dyes to paint with and to also dye yarn/fabric.

 

Often people ask me where am I based and where I work from home

 I have a studio here, it's a start and perhaps eventually if and when I need to expand I'll consider moving but for now it's working. Where I work was originally meant to be a two bed roomed apartment, but it never got to that stage. So, I turned the outer space which was to be the living/kitchen area into a studio as it was crying out to be used and it's quite a large room. I have three windows so have plenty of natural light and nice views of trees, it's carpeted in the main outer room and then there is lino floor in the smaller area off this. There is private access to a door that leads to the studio. It's practically perfect!

 

I have a few things planned for this year, have my eye out.

 So I will keep you informed of news regards this.

Do keep watch on my facebook page for posts re: News and Photos of Products.

 

Gráinne :)