So since my last posting in September, I've had a nice and quiet past few weeks to say the least. Okay well rewind, minus preparing for the current exhibition I'm in alongside three others designers, that is still running until the end of November at
Springmount Garden Centre in Ballycanew.
So on Twitter I mentioned changes will be happening. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately regards bringing out something new as it's been a while. So this Winter through until next Spring, I am introducing a small fashion design led collection of handwoven scarves and shall continue these on into about April.
Then I shall be either re-branding another idea under my own name or using another name, I have not quite decided on that one as yet. But it shall be another Fashion product.(My lips are sealed!)
As it stands I create Interior products such as Lampshades, pictures, tea cosies and the baubles at Christmas time. I will still be continuing this.
Over the years many people have asked me and especially those who have seen my woven designs, tell me that I should make scarves or something in the fashion side of textiles.
I'm pretty focused on Interiors, because I know the fashion market is huge and very competitive. It can be difficult to break into that mould because there are so many designers and so many people making things like scarves, hats and jewellery for example. Each very different, some very alike, others so out there with their ideas and designs. But then again, it's down to luck and how you brand and push yourself and your product and grow because that's the only way your going to grow but you need to put the work in to get rewards out of it after.
But anyway, getting back to my point, so I had thought about fashion before but stuck with Interiors but always in the back of my head I would think of someday and sometime creating something fashion led.
So for Spring 2016... I am launching a small collection of handwoven scarves. I really want focus and move ahead with the weave side of me because my main area of specialism is Woven Textiles. I enjoy mixed media textiles, people love my pictures but I don't want to be known for just woven trimmings on lampshades, although I love and everyone seems to love my lampshades as they are unique and I shall be continuing these further and possibly for a very long time and then I weave the odd hanging, I guess there are people thinking is that all she does in weaving, which to be fair is not true. Because all they keep seeing is a lot of mixed media among other things which I enjoy mind you and it works!
I have been asked about weaving workshops in the past and other friends suggested I run them as another way to make money but I don't and won't be possibly ever be giving workshops because A) I just don't have the time to and B) Loom weaving takes time to do, there is the whole setting up side that non-weavers don't realize that us weavers have to do and it's slow and I just would not find time to teach and do my own work at the same time it's just not do able.
Anyone wishing to learn, my advise is take up a course in textile design, do a degree or diploma or learn the basics from someone who does teach it. Oh and do not get mixed up between loom weaving and tapestry ... tapestry is done on a wooden frame (I was taught this at Grennan Mill a long time ago ... I have two frames myself) this weaving is done with a bobbin like needle or using just your fingers it can also be taught on a loom while loom weaving is slightly more difficult and takes time to master and you use a shuttle, there are so many different types of looms to choose from while larger companies use power looms if producing large quantities for retail. These are much more powerful and it's just a touch of a button and it weaves itself! Handy but so god damn expensive to not only buy but to fix if it breaks down! Jacquard weaving again is done on a power like loom and it weaves itself and here you can weave from drawings so it produces imagery to that of patterns and blocks of colour. I work on a table loom which looks like a mini floor loom as it has a floor stand and instead of a bench I have a chair propped up with cushions so I'm able to reach in to thread my heddle's when threading up. It does the job and it's neat as it can be collapsed if attending a trade fair or craft fair and if you wish to take it with you but I don't do this as it's kind of heavy and awkward!
Going back, in fact I have two ideas in mind, one I'm keeping under wraps and will possibly be launched in time for Christmas or else in the Spring. It will have elements of weave and mixed media.
At the moment both of these ideas have been circling in my head for ages and have landed as doodles on sheets of paper. Both are wearable.
I'll also be making Christmas boxed baubles and the little pine cone elves again this year.
I will also be launching a little give away competition mid December.
Please note: I shall not be taking any orders for be-spoke lampshades in the run up to Christmas.
That's all for now,
Gráinne :)
Below are a few photos (Not all) of my work currently on show at Springmount Garden Center, Ballycanew.
Above: My work on exhibition at Springmount Garden Center - current exhibition on now!
Lampshades by Grainne Kenny - Exhibition at Springmount Garden Center.
Close up of hand woven trim on lampshade.
Lampshade - Wood turned base by Robert O'Connor.
Mixed Media Nature Study - 'Spring'
Left: Work by me and Right:Pottery by Christine Van Bussell.
Work by Robert O'Connor - Wood-turner and William Stedmond - Photography
