Happy New Year -2015

Happy New Year!!
So it's a new year, that means a new start, new work, new beginnings, new memories and so on.
To review 2014, (well let's just say it was way better then the previous year!) minus a little break from January until April. It was a good year in particular the summer and Christmas was good in terms of sales. I hate January, not many people like it either but it's a good time to develop and experiment on ideas for spring/summer collections not to mention that I'm still fairly focused on Christmas. My baubles went down well during the festive season (as did the elves!) and since time is not rushed and quiet now I'm making more for Christmas 2015 and then I'll pack all away until August again when I usually start thinking about getting pieces ready for Christmas. Once the Opera festival in Wexford finishes in October you usually start thinking on this next. But that's all ages away yet! So back to now, as mentioned in a previous post weaving is my main specialist area I shall be looking at developing products I already produce. I've been doing quite a bit of research and gathering new inspiration, fresh ideas is what I like to call it. I'll still continue the small framed seashore/landscape/sunset mixed media textile pieces that are very popular and Lampshades with the woven trimmings that are also best sellers for me. However, I'm going to be mixing it up a bit. Some time ago I had also mentioned print. Print will creep in this Spring and also during the summer mixed with weaving. You'll have to wait and see what I have planned there! The Seashore theme will be a recurring theme and floral will make a debut for S/S, while A/W will be similar but more warmer colours. Pinks, turquoise/sea/cobalt blues, the saying blue and green should never be seen....well I think blue and green (some!) are nice together and green is on my list too, orange, neutral colours such as grey and cream and perhaps a hint of charcoal, a hint of a metallic tone and an earthy colour. Seems like a lot hey? But you'll be surprised at how when mixed and matched how well they shall go together. I don't wish to give away too much too soon but I am looking forward to a great year. A Fashion product may creep in too, but a little later in the year! I'm going to be keeping a lot of things close to my chest this year and post Images and text to the likes of my Facebook page and my blog here when I have work to show and not post about it weeks before I get round to posting about it. For example tell everyone what I'm doing and just go and do it and when it's done then post about it. In other words ... Surprise! Anyway back to product .... lampshades (as featured in House and Home magazine Nov/Dec 2014) at the moment mine are all round. I might be introducing a new shape if the Interest is there. Judging by some self research round is a more popular choice, but it might be nice to introduce a new shape and size. Will see! I'm not a fan of coolie or bell shaped though. Cushions will be back too however not to match the woven lampshades. I suppose you will have to keep an eye on Facebook to see what developments and new designs I come up with. I know I'm pretty excited with my work this year and I hope you will be too!! G :) xx Oh by the way on Friday 23rd of January I mark my business birthday. Happy official 3rd Birthday to me!