Okay so it's a brand new year and I'm rather excited about this one.
2013 was the year that I began clearing out the studio, to which I finally completed in July.
See below before and after photos.
Before: Photo showing inner studio space with ugly looking back wall as it was crying out to be used!
After: How above Image (see far left of this Image) of how it looks now. (Has changed again since photo was taken)
After: Same space as above....notice how much fresher it looks! Gone are the drab curtains and pink walls and oh the exercise bike!!
After: Same Image as above only with my work shown in it.
(Stock changed on wall since Photo was taken)
After: Inner studio space is now my work area, table fits perfectly!
Before: Getting ready to start paint rolling the walls.
Signage
Signage (follow blue arrow)
I'm thrilled with my new improved space, it's lovely to work in and I have plenty of natural light.
So yes, I finally completed the studio on the 31st July. It was a long time coming but worth it.
I'm a member of 'Wexford Craft Trail & Network' and this was part reason as to why I made over the studio and opened it up.
The year had it's ups and it's Downs but mostly it's ups so I'm not complaining.....a lot of time was spent on the studio if I have to admit that but besides that I enjoyed many things especially the Opera festival last October where I exhibited with members of the group mentioned above and I look forward to future exhibitions together. In a way I'm glad 2013 is over and I look forward to this year for various reasons. I'm learning things the whole time and finding out what works and what does not so it's all a learning experience no matter what business your in.
I'm still finding myself moving things around the studio though....I'm always doing that!
I am now closed for January 2014 but I shall re-open later in the spring. I'm busily working on some new ideas and new stock.
Matching lampshades and cushions are on the list for early 2014 plus some entirely new designs with and without the woven braids on my shades. Some will be stitched originals of my own designs with surprise, surprise inspired by the coast. While I'll still continue the woven lampshades too.
Apart from lampshades there shall be cushions, matching cushions for both including the coastal collection to which I haven't fully christened yet so it's staying named as the coastal collection for the moment. New mini mixed media pictures inspired by my previous larger pieces and some new designs from the new collection will appear around the same time. Weaving will feature heavily this year too with a coastal collection of table linen. Colours will be stripped back a bit and I'm not going to mention much more as I don't want to give everything away too early so keep watch! It's going to be a busy time. However, it is a new year, new change and new start, start as in I've finally worked out where I'm heading with it all, it just took me some time to figure it out. Anyway, wish me luck!
Happy new year.
Gráinne
