Hello!
So I have not posted a blog post in a while now. I've just been very busy and life gets in the way and I've been meaning to post one for a while now but like many things it just gets put to one side.
So what have I been up to?
Well ... I re-introduced a product that I was experimenting with there before Christmas and brought to Christmas fairs last year in 2016.
I have developed a range of jewellery, mostly pendants that are inspired by my textile Sea studies. I'm focusing on the Colour's and Texture's that are seen in each of my studies and have developed, while doing a lot of experimenting to get the effect that I want.
I've been asked are they glass or ceramics or what are they exactly and how do I make them.
Some of the pendants have pearls or shells and beads embedded in them. I was up until last week using four Colours and now I have twelve in total. Some I like to blend together to create interesting color combinations and effects. They look and feel like glass but are not glass more on the same line as enamel.
Why Jewellery you might ask?
And don't I just specialise in Interiors?
Yes I design for Interiors and Interior accessories such as Lampshades, Wall Art and Cushions. Each year I like to bring out a new product around Christmas and a few years ago I made Christmas Baubles and have been doing so each year since. And I know what I charge for them is not cheap, because they are a handmade item and I use quality ribbons and beaded crystals and I box them in nice packaging and they look very presentable. Some people probably wont buy them as they can go to a high street or Irish chain store and buy the plastic variety bauble for far cheaper then mine. And that is normal and fine. But then there are other people who love them and do use them to decorate their Christmas trees and hand them as gifts to others for Christmas. And that is how word has spread about them and I enjoy making these for Christmas. I don't sell huge volumes of them but I am happy with what I get. They are a sellable product. They are bespoke baubles and I was €30/€35 i must check again for a box of four last year, but I'll be bringing that price back down a bit for 2017. I also make little elves from pine cones and use essential oils on them. Just little things that are affordable for Christmas. So I suppose I wanted to make something that was small and by researching ideas and so fourth I sent for some materials and started experimenting and then the pendants came about. So I brought them along to fairs at both Springmount Garden Centre and to Marlfield House/ The Duck. And received positive feedback and sales!
Then Showcase Ireland came and went and orders came in and the summer crept up and last month in July I re-introduced them again and oh I also set up an online shop!!!! (Three years later...that was a long plan!! ) So I have some in stock now in Market House Design in Gorey, Co. Wexford and online. And hope to expand to other stockists over time.
So yes I said Online Shop ... you can find me on Etsy at GrainneKennyDesign.Etsy.com the description page process has to filled out for every item so it takes time to add listings, but I've had two sales so far in the space of one sale within two days after opening my shop and four days later, I have a lampshade to make and post to an island off Greece. It's going to a holiday home out there and I was literally jumping up and down when I got the order. I do have a piece that sold to a couple in California from Market House Design and now I will have a lampshade going in the opposite direction. My work is well traveled then I am!
Ah no, I do take my holidays too but I have to be near water. So somewhere with the sea is a big deal for me.
I've been planing a online shop since hmmm ... 2014 ... but anyway I got there eventually!!!!
It will take a while, I have been told this by friends with online shops on Etsy so time will only tell that. Just a little under three weeks online now and I'm happy and that's the main thing.
So what am I at now?
I have to say it and that's the C WORD that is Christmas. I shall be starting my Christmas stock from Monday 21st August.
I have a few things to finish up first and then will have to leave some time out to do paperwork.
Then I suppose, but I don't know as yet if to prepare for Showcase 2018. I'm guessing I'll know this month sometime, I did last year. I applied to the Enterprise Board again so I'll wait and see. I would like to do it again and I've already got my space planned in my head if I do go. I'm 5/6 months ahead in plans at the moment but you have to be. Some designers have already started on their Christmas stock in July!! Most business's work towards the RDS Christmas fair and are in planning and working at it and work towards it all year with that show being their end goal where they hope to make enough sales and gain stockists out of it too. One I'd like to try at some stage. I keep saying that though but I'll get there too!! Just timing and costs have to be right as none of these shows come cheap. Stands are very expensive and that's before your costings for your work, stand display, travel costs, accommodation costs if staying in a city hotel, food and all the little hidden extras etc...
But people do it year after year because they have to and they must keep themselves in the public eye because like myself, we all want to get on. And you have to work really hard! But hard work pays off or at least should do! So that has me wondering at the moment but I'm keeping myself busy which is good.
I'm not that busy in regards to the craft trail, I changed my information this year in the booklet and did not put in opening times.
My studio is open to those who are wishing to purchase work from me or view what I have. I am only open by arranged appointment. I am a working studio, I am creating work all the time. I don't have a shop unlike other studios, but I do have some stock in my studio and now I have an online shop and I have my work in stockists such as Market House Design and lampshades in The Woodturning Studio in the town. So I often direct people into there.
I had been working part time over the past three years and I would often not be in the studio when someone was looking to come and visit me so it just did not work out nor was it fair, so this year I did not put opening hours in for that reason. I don't allow small children to the studio full stop, so that stops families going around to me too. Health and safety reasons and all that, I have a steep open stairs that leads to my studio and I have pointy edges and chemicals within reach so it's not ideal. But I've had a few looking. My role on the trail is part sharing the role of social media and uploading imagery to the likes of facebook, twitter and Instagram for the group and I was secretary last year but I stepped down from that role in April of this year. So to be fair I have enough on my plate. There will be signage going up around the county soon, like the Norman trail signage. For various reasons of my own, I said no to a sign as have five others so I'm not alone. It's by choice. But I'm still a trail member but I've said no to signage because as I see it... a tourist with or without a brochure, a sign shall still attract and I'm only open by appointment too so it just does not suit. And especially if I'm working or away it's still stays up and you can't remove it by hanging it up and down. It's a county council sign after all. So no. I was on the fence about it for a while but I know myself that it's the best decision for me. So that's the answer to that if your wondering once they go up and don't see mine about.
If you go over to Facebook you can see some of the new pendants and some other work by me made recently.
I have a giveaway going on there too so have a look at that.
And the link to the online shop again is GrainneKennyDesign.Etsy.com
Until September .... enjoy the rest of the summer! (Autumn it is now)
Gráinne
Tuesday, 8 August 2017
Friday, 3 February 2017
Hello 2017 - What's been happening so far!
Happy New Year!
Yes, the long awaited blog post has finally arrived!
I was meant to post before Christmas but never got around to it, so sorry about that.
So 2017 has got off to a busy and exciting start.
Last week I was up in Dublin at the RDS at Showcase Ireland, Ireland's largest Craft & Design trade show for Irish and International buyers. It's on every year and this year it celebrated it's 41st year.
I was very honored to represent Wexford Local Enterprise Office as the only exhibitor for Wexford up on the balcony, in the newly laid out Local Enterprise Showcase Area (previously known as the Enterprise Zone)upstairs in the Main Hall.
I was between Fingal and Wicklow enterprise boards and all the exhibitors were lovely, those whom I spoke to. Too many to mention but it was nice to get to know them all.
My stand was F17 and both my parents came up and helped me set up. Especially my Dad who helped assemble a piece of furniture for me and was very handy with a electric drill, hammer and nails. He was well worn afterwards but all the stands had family helping in some way. And I appreciated the help.
They were in and out during the four days while I was up there. I stayed up in Dublin for the duration of the show with my aunt. The only downside was she was a bit far out, between Tempelogue and Knocklyon so it meant getting up an hour earlier in the mornings except for Sunday as we were against morning rush hour traffic during the week, with people getting to work and school. So by the end of each day I was exhausted and ready for bed!
The show went really well for me, there was lots of Interest in my work. Overall I am delighted with the response and outcome.
I had a selection of Sea studies, both small and large and two larger again pieces that everybody seemed to get drawn into. These were two last minute pieces that I decided to do and get professionally framed and they just really caught the eye of lots of people as well as gallery owners. I also had Lampshades and to one side a small selection of baubles. Just thought I'd bring them along and see and sure enough they were liked too.
I met a load of people from all over the country, especially those along the Wild Atlantic Way - West of Ireland Coastline and around the South as well as up in the North and to the East. So well spread out! The sea pieces caught the eye of those living in coastal areas, so who knows where my work could prop up this summer! ;)
Overall it was worth doing and I've already put my spoke in for 2018. Same as last year I was way too early putting my spoke in but I don't hang around until the last minute. Best to say so as early as possible.
It was nice to see some members of the Wexford Craft Trail, who stopped by my stand to say hello. I know Patsy and Paul were also exhibiting and Denis had a rug downstairs that he collaborated on with Helen Steele the Fashion Designer. I met Patsy on the ground floor, both Paul and Denis came up for a look and it was also nice to see Mary Gallagher and Mairead Cairbre who stopped by my stand as well as Padraic and Mairead Parle. I also saw some familiar Gorey faces too, so that was nice.
I knew quite a few exhibitors on the ground floor and met others for the first time who follow me on Instagram and so on. It was nice to meet them in person and put a face to the name. The catering was amazing! Best catering I've seen in the RDS in like ever!!! Hopefully, they keep up the same standard for other shows.
Since being home, I've been going through my new contacts and still busily thanking each one for visiting my stand.
I removed left over Christmas stock from Market House Design on Wednesday (day before yesterday) and delivered in new stock.
Everyone in my family have had bad headcold's and coughs recently and over Christmas.
I escaped it all luckily, I was working like a mad yolk in the studio all over Christmas. I had very little to no social life... honestly... over Christmas. I did see some people and went to the cinema and for lunch, but I didn't hang out or go for drinks with friends throughout the whole festive season, it was by choice. I really got into my work, I didn't really want to go out to be honest. Tradition went out the window.
Anyway as a result, I made some really nice pieces of work and to top that off I finally managed to land a cold!
Yes I'm last to get the dose in the house this week, but still managing to move around and get things done. I have to!!
Stopped off in Boots the other day and stocked up on strepsil's and vitamin C / multivitamins not to mention hot water with honey and lemon works wonders! My voice is all groggy today, may not have one tomorrow! It's not nice being under the weather but the weather is not helping much either!
Anyway, so far 2017 has been pretty interesting and sure I'll let you know how it develops. At the moment, I'm keeping things quite close to my chest but I'll announce things as the weeks go on. It's shaping up to be Interesting, hopefully!
I would like to thank Wexford Local Enterprise Office for their support and to all the team at Showcase Ireland / The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland for eveything. I really enjoyed it. Thank you.
See below a few Images from Showcase Ireland of my stand, samples of my work and I.
Until March, :) Grainne x
Yes, the long awaited blog post has finally arrived!
I was meant to post before Christmas but never got around to it, so sorry about that.
So 2017 has got off to a busy and exciting start.
Last week I was up in Dublin at the RDS at Showcase Ireland, Ireland's largest Craft & Design trade show for Irish and International buyers. It's on every year and this year it celebrated it's 41st year.
I was very honored to represent Wexford Local Enterprise Office as the only exhibitor for Wexford up on the balcony, in the newly laid out Local Enterprise Showcase Area (previously known as the Enterprise Zone)upstairs in the Main Hall.
I was between Fingal and Wicklow enterprise boards and all the exhibitors were lovely, those whom I spoke to. Too many to mention but it was nice to get to know them all.
My stand was F17 and both my parents came up and helped me set up. Especially my Dad who helped assemble a piece of furniture for me and was very handy with a electric drill, hammer and nails. He was well worn afterwards but all the stands had family helping in some way. And I appreciated the help.
They were in and out during the four days while I was up there. I stayed up in Dublin for the duration of the show with my aunt. The only downside was she was a bit far out, between Tempelogue and Knocklyon so it meant getting up an hour earlier in the mornings except for Sunday as we were against morning rush hour traffic during the week, with people getting to work and school. So by the end of each day I was exhausted and ready for bed!
The show went really well for me, there was lots of Interest in my work. Overall I am delighted with the response and outcome.
I had a selection of Sea studies, both small and large and two larger again pieces that everybody seemed to get drawn into. These were two last minute pieces that I decided to do and get professionally framed and they just really caught the eye of lots of people as well as gallery owners. I also had Lampshades and to one side a small selection of baubles. Just thought I'd bring them along and see and sure enough they were liked too.
I met a load of people from all over the country, especially those along the Wild Atlantic Way - West of Ireland Coastline and around the South as well as up in the North and to the East. So well spread out! The sea pieces caught the eye of those living in coastal areas, so who knows where my work could prop up this summer! ;)
Overall it was worth doing and I've already put my spoke in for 2018. Same as last year I was way too early putting my spoke in but I don't hang around until the last minute. Best to say so as early as possible.
It was nice to see some members of the Wexford Craft Trail, who stopped by my stand to say hello. I know Patsy and Paul were also exhibiting and Denis had a rug downstairs that he collaborated on with Helen Steele the Fashion Designer. I met Patsy on the ground floor, both Paul and Denis came up for a look and it was also nice to see Mary Gallagher and Mairead Cairbre who stopped by my stand as well as Padraic and Mairead Parle. I also saw some familiar Gorey faces too, so that was nice.
I knew quite a few exhibitors on the ground floor and met others for the first time who follow me on Instagram and so on. It was nice to meet them in person and put a face to the name. The catering was amazing! Best catering I've seen in the RDS in like ever!!! Hopefully, they keep up the same standard for other shows.
Since being home, I've been going through my new contacts and still busily thanking each one for visiting my stand.
I removed left over Christmas stock from Market House Design on Wednesday (day before yesterday) and delivered in new stock.
Everyone in my family have had bad headcold's and coughs recently and over Christmas.
I escaped it all luckily, I was working like a mad yolk in the studio all over Christmas. I had very little to no social life... honestly... over Christmas. I did see some people and went to the cinema and for lunch, but I didn't hang out or go for drinks with friends throughout the whole festive season, it was by choice. I really got into my work, I didn't really want to go out to be honest. Tradition went out the window.
Anyway as a result, I made some really nice pieces of work and to top that off I finally managed to land a cold!
Yes I'm last to get the dose in the house this week, but still managing to move around and get things done. I have to!!
Stopped off in Boots the other day and stocked up on strepsil's and vitamin C / multivitamins not to mention hot water with honey and lemon works wonders! My voice is all groggy today, may not have one tomorrow! It's not nice being under the weather but the weather is not helping much either!
Anyway, so far 2017 has been pretty interesting and sure I'll let you know how it develops. At the moment, I'm keeping things quite close to my chest but I'll announce things as the weeks go on. It's shaping up to be Interesting, hopefully!
I would like to thank Wexford Local Enterprise Office for their support and to all the team at Showcase Ireland / The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland for eveything. I really enjoyed it. Thank you.
See below a few Images from Showcase Ireland of my stand, samples of my work and I.
Until March, :) Grainne x
Thursday, 27 October 2016
Autumn Update & other news.
Finally, I have found time to write a quick post.
Well, I guess I'll start off by saying business wise I had a good summer and according to latest statistics I'm on the right path!
It's been Interesting to see changes in what the public are buying from me and what's most popular.
Your probably now wondering what that is, well it's my Sea studies.
Lampshades, tend to sell better in Winter or Spring when people are looking to cosy up towards Christmas and re decorate come Spring. However, I have had some sales during the summer period and I'm happy with how things are going.
I didn't go away or anything however, I have since returned from a sunshine break and I'm now ready preparing for the festive season.
I am only doing two Craft Fairs/Exhibitions this December, one local fair and one is a group exhibition upstairs in Wexford Arts Centre with Wexford Craft Trail from the 2nd - 24th December. More on that later.
I'm trying not to take on too much, there are many invitations to exhibit here,there and yonder for Christmas but I'm just settling on the two.
Why?
I'm doing Showcase Ireland in the RDS next January 2017 for the first time.
I've also since noticed that I'll be marking my fifth business birthday during the show on the 23rd.
Anyway, I was offered a stand after applying back in February with my local LEO in Wexford.
So I am one of the business's that shall be representing Wexford in January and I'm looking forward to it.
So that's why I don't want to be doing too much as I want to be 100% ready and present the best possible work that I'll have ready for the show. (Lot's of Colour!)
I'll be bringing a new collection of pieces from Framed Textile Sea studies in various sizes and some larger scaled works, Lampshades and possibly one other product.
I need to spread my wings so that's why I'm having a go and trying out Showacse to see if it makes changes for me and hopefully get an order or two or lots would be nice! Get my name out there and into other stockists around Ireland and if I'm lucky elsewhere.
I have a talk coming up mid November, it's designed for all the County LEO's. I was assigned to Cork, but I asked to change to Dublin so I'll be at the Dublin one. So I'm taking three days out and going up to do that and stay over with my aunt, who I'll also be staying with when I attend Showcase.
So in general I have a busy time ahead.
That's all for now.
Please check Facebook, Twiiter or Instagram for postings and regular updates.
Talk soon.
Grainne :)
Well, I guess I'll start off by saying business wise I had a good summer and according to latest statistics I'm on the right path!
It's been Interesting to see changes in what the public are buying from me and what's most popular.
Your probably now wondering what that is, well it's my Sea studies.
Lampshades, tend to sell better in Winter or Spring when people are looking to cosy up towards Christmas and re decorate come Spring. However, I have had some sales during the summer period and I'm happy with how things are going.
I didn't go away or anything however, I have since returned from a sunshine break and I'm now ready preparing for the festive season.
I am only doing two Craft Fairs/Exhibitions this December, one local fair and one is a group exhibition upstairs in Wexford Arts Centre with Wexford Craft Trail from the 2nd - 24th December. More on that later.
I'm trying not to take on too much, there are many invitations to exhibit here,there and yonder for Christmas but I'm just settling on the two.
Why?
I'm doing Showcase Ireland in the RDS next January 2017 for the first time.
I've also since noticed that I'll be marking my fifth business birthday during the show on the 23rd.
Anyway, I was offered a stand after applying back in February with my local LEO in Wexford.
So I am one of the business's that shall be representing Wexford in January and I'm looking forward to it.
So that's why I don't want to be doing too much as I want to be 100% ready and present the best possible work that I'll have ready for the show. (Lot's of Colour!)
I'll be bringing a new collection of pieces from Framed Textile Sea studies in various sizes and some larger scaled works, Lampshades and possibly one other product.
I need to spread my wings so that's why I'm having a go and trying out Showacse to see if it makes changes for me and hopefully get an order or two or lots would be nice! Get my name out there and into other stockists around Ireland and if I'm lucky elsewhere.
I have a talk coming up mid November, it's designed for all the County LEO's. I was assigned to Cork, but I asked to change to Dublin so I'll be at the Dublin one. So I'm taking three days out and going up to do that and stay over with my aunt, who I'll also be staying with when I attend Showcase.
So in general I have a busy time ahead.
That's all for now.
Please check Facebook, Twiiter or Instagram for postings and regular updates.
Talk soon.
Grainne :)
Saturday, 18 June 2016
Recent Updates.
Hello again!
Okay, so I have not posted in two months but let's just skip that and focus on the present. I had a blog typed out and ready to go last month for May, but that's old news now so I've decided to start afresh.
It's been a busy two months for me really. If I have to rewind, then I'll start with earlier this year and plans that I'm trying to put in place for next year. I tend to work ahead of myself,it keep's me motivated knowing that I have a goal to reach and that I'll try my best to go for it, if that makes any sense?!
I'm aiming for Showcase 2017 and I've been in touch with my LEO (Local Enterprise Office) in Wexford back in February, (I was informed I was applying too early - well I'd hate to be late!) plus I also applied for 'Design Ireland' and received very good feedback along with a lovely phone call from Emma McGrath of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland in relation to my application. To make a long story short, I did really well. It was a close call. To be honest, I was not going to apply for Design Ireland at first but I gave it a go all the same, you know the motto ... if your not in you can't win! Despite my Imagery, everything else was very good but to be fair and how I feel in my heart rather then my head, is that I want to start with the Enterprise Board being a newbie to this event and all, so I'm on their list and that's all I know so far until I hear from them. But they have me marked down as an Interested Business so I'll see what happens from there. Fingers and toes crossed in the hope that I am chosen, as I'd love the opportunity and I feel that it is the way to go with my work as I want to expand my stockists nationwide and if I'm lucky with overseas customers too. I've been saying this for years, maybe next year, but I'm glad I've finally got up and done something about it this year and now all I have to do is wait and see. So that's one thing.
The next thing is I've also applied for a business award, and as of yesterday (Friday) I've been informed that my application was successful and made round two, so I have a meeting at the end of the month to do with that and I have to bring examples of my products along with me. It's for new business's set up in the past few years so yes, I'm delighted to have heard that yesterday and again I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed in the hope that I proceed in that too and if not then and least I've tried and at least made an effort and all you can do is your best. But for now, it's a waiting game and let's hope and see.
In other news, I'm also launching an Etsy shop this summer too, so my work will be available online and my due date for that was the 20th of June but I'm now possibly looking at the beginning of July but that is on the cards. I will post a link to the website when live. I know I can create one via my website, but my host is American so everything is showing up in dollar signs and I'm not sure how to change them. Ahhh!
I was at Bloom the other weekend with my sister, it was my first time at Bloom but boy was it warm and packed but overall it was a lovely day out. I did not see everything but I did get to go around all the Craft tents and met a friend from my days at GMIT in Galway called Bernadine Burke of the company Maysonbrook (fingerprint trees) apparently I still have a childlike face... thanks Bernadine, you too are aging well! Anyway where was I, oh yes also the sculpture garden, the floral pavillion and the food tents. We left mid afternoon ish and drove along the coast and ended up in Dun Laoghaire and visited the peoples park, bought a falafel wrap and sat on a bench in front of a lady with lovely paintings and another lady making things from broken china. But it was a nice day overall but it just became too hot at Bloom so we made the right decision and left early.
Everything else though is going well, I've been in and out of the studio quite a bit and up until recently I've also been working part time on and off. The little bit of extra income helps and helps pay for materials for my business too and any sales usually go back into my business. But all things considering I'm still in business and the most important thing is that I love what I do.
Working for yourself can have good and bad points, yes I take time out to do things that I need to do. I do socialise the odd time over coffee with friends or else I'd end up going bonkers in my studio! You have to get out every now and then and it's healthy to mix with others. My studio is located in my home place, my parents house. Yes I still live with my parents but I don't mind it, in fact it's nice. I am home nine years now from the United Kingdom this coming September. I am the eldest of two girls, I was the one who was always away so being home living at home is not so bad. My studio is a dormer/loft space that wasn't being used in the house and I transformed it into a studio about four years ago. It saves on rent in the town and there is no way in hell that I'd be able to pay the type of rent Gorey properties are looking for unless I went in with a group but that said there's all these other hidden costs as well. So in a way I'm better off at home, unless major things develop!
My studio is away from the main hub of the house, my house is rather big as it's also a guesthouse. And sometimes, mainly those with an interest in art and design and mainly foreigners may nip upstairs to see me in my studio and look around. I'm also on the Wexford Craft Trail and as of now I am open via appointment or when you see a little arrow outside the gate. Ideally I prefer those who wish to come and see me to phone first, to make sure I'm there because I may be out on appointments, meetings, work or shopping for supplies. But typically speaking I'm here most of the time. I did have two large signs outside the gate but these were causing a distraction to my Mother's B&B signage and our guests were driving past so the signs had to come down. There is one however on the side of the house and another at the door, I was allowed to keep these up just not the two at the gate. I have three windows and a private toilet off a linking room that's used for storage at the moment. It's nice to work up there, go up in the morning, switch on the radio and work away to your hearts content. It's my own space, it's a nice space, it's bigger then most of my friends studios from what they tell me, it's airy and it's colourful ... like me! ;) But I'm very lucky to have a place to work from and I'm very thankful to my parents for the use of it and that I can work from home. But yes, I'm happily working away. I haven't been at lampshades for a while but will be going back to these soon with a new collection to boot! I've been busy weaving and making more mixed media sea studies which seem to do well and I'm going larger with these too. That and a small collection of pendants/necklaces based on the sea studies - All will be revealed soon! :) xx Gráinne
Okay, so I have not posted in two months but let's just skip that and focus on the present. I had a blog typed out and ready to go last month for May, but that's old news now so I've decided to start afresh.
It's been a busy two months for me really. If I have to rewind, then I'll start with earlier this year and plans that I'm trying to put in place for next year. I tend to work ahead of myself,it keep's me motivated knowing that I have a goal to reach and that I'll try my best to go for it, if that makes any sense?!
I'm aiming for Showcase 2017 and I've been in touch with my LEO (Local Enterprise Office) in Wexford back in February, (I was informed I was applying too early - well I'd hate to be late!) plus I also applied for 'Design Ireland' and received very good feedback along with a lovely phone call from Emma McGrath of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland in relation to my application. To make a long story short, I did really well. It was a close call. To be honest, I was not going to apply for Design Ireland at first but I gave it a go all the same, you know the motto ... if your not in you can't win! Despite my Imagery, everything else was very good but to be fair and how I feel in my heart rather then my head, is that I want to start with the Enterprise Board being a newbie to this event and all, so I'm on their list and that's all I know so far until I hear from them. But they have me marked down as an Interested Business so I'll see what happens from there. Fingers and toes crossed in the hope that I am chosen, as I'd love the opportunity and I feel that it is the way to go with my work as I want to expand my stockists nationwide and if I'm lucky with overseas customers too. I've been saying this for years, maybe next year, but I'm glad I've finally got up and done something about it this year and now all I have to do is wait and see. So that's one thing.
The next thing is I've also applied for a business award, and as of yesterday (Friday) I've been informed that my application was successful and made round two, so I have a meeting at the end of the month to do with that and I have to bring examples of my products along with me. It's for new business's set up in the past few years so yes, I'm delighted to have heard that yesterday and again I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed in the hope that I proceed in that too and if not then and least I've tried and at least made an effort and all you can do is your best. But for now, it's a waiting game and let's hope and see.
In other news, I'm also launching an Etsy shop this summer too, so my work will be available online and my due date for that was the 20th of June but I'm now possibly looking at the beginning of July but that is on the cards. I will post a link to the website when live. I know I can create one via my website, but my host is American so everything is showing up in dollar signs and I'm not sure how to change them. Ahhh!
I was at Bloom the other weekend with my sister, it was my first time at Bloom but boy was it warm and packed but overall it was a lovely day out. I did not see everything but I did get to go around all the Craft tents and met a friend from my days at GMIT in Galway called Bernadine Burke of the company Maysonbrook (fingerprint trees) apparently I still have a childlike face... thanks Bernadine, you too are aging well! Anyway where was I, oh yes also the sculpture garden, the floral pavillion and the food tents. We left mid afternoon ish and drove along the coast and ended up in Dun Laoghaire and visited the peoples park, bought a falafel wrap and sat on a bench in front of a lady with lovely paintings and another lady making things from broken china. But it was a nice day overall but it just became too hot at Bloom so we made the right decision and left early.
Everything else though is going well, I've been in and out of the studio quite a bit and up until recently I've also been working part time on and off. The little bit of extra income helps and helps pay for materials for my business too and any sales usually go back into my business. But all things considering I'm still in business and the most important thing is that I love what I do.
Working for yourself can have good and bad points, yes I take time out to do things that I need to do. I do socialise the odd time over coffee with friends or else I'd end up going bonkers in my studio! You have to get out every now and then and it's healthy to mix with others. My studio is located in my home place, my parents house. Yes I still live with my parents but I don't mind it, in fact it's nice. I am home nine years now from the United Kingdom this coming September. I am the eldest of two girls, I was the one who was always away so being home living at home is not so bad. My studio is a dormer/loft space that wasn't being used in the house and I transformed it into a studio about four years ago. It saves on rent in the town and there is no way in hell that I'd be able to pay the type of rent Gorey properties are looking for unless I went in with a group but that said there's all these other hidden costs as well. So in a way I'm better off at home, unless major things develop!
My studio is away from the main hub of the house, my house is rather big as it's also a guesthouse. And sometimes, mainly those with an interest in art and design and mainly foreigners may nip upstairs to see me in my studio and look around. I'm also on the Wexford Craft Trail and as of now I am open via appointment or when you see a little arrow outside the gate. Ideally I prefer those who wish to come and see me to phone first, to make sure I'm there because I may be out on appointments, meetings, work or shopping for supplies. But typically speaking I'm here most of the time. I did have two large signs outside the gate but these were causing a distraction to my Mother's B&B signage and our guests were driving past so the signs had to come down. There is one however on the side of the house and another at the door, I was allowed to keep these up just not the two at the gate. I have three windows and a private toilet off a linking room that's used for storage at the moment. It's nice to work up there, go up in the morning, switch on the radio and work away to your hearts content. It's my own space, it's a nice space, it's bigger then most of my friends studios from what they tell me, it's airy and it's colourful ... like me! ;) But I'm very lucky to have a place to work from and I'm very thankful to my parents for the use of it and that I can work from home. But yes, I'm happily working away. I haven't been at lampshades for a while but will be going back to these soon with a new collection to boot! I've been busy weaving and making more mixed media sea studies which seem to do well and I'm going larger with these too. That and a small collection of pendants/necklaces based on the sea studies - All will be revealed soon! :) xx Gráinne
Friday, 8 April 2016
April 2016 - Part 1
Following on from my last blog post which was only a short time ago, there has been a few developments.
Back in January, I mentioned that this year I was going to make 2016 my year and just have a go at everything!
I tend to hold back sometimes and wait but if there is one thing 2016 has thought me already is to take a chance and while I can make the most of every day and everything.
So what's new?
I've already been looking into an event for 2017. (Yes just under nine months away, I move quickly!) I've been in touch with my local Enterprise board and expressed my Interest regarding that. So I look forward to that what develops from there. I've also signed up for two courses with them next month (May).
In other news, I have been approached countless times asking if I teach textile workshops?
I was also asked this twice in the past week, it's funny how things come together all at once.
I've never ruled workshops out and knew the time would come around at some point, so low and behold ... it could be happening??
I've never taught before so it scares me a little, but I'm from a family history of teachers so maybe it might come naturally, who knows! Actually I did teach a 1 on 1 with a transition year student about two years ago, on how to use a sewing machine and help with a project.
In other news, I am busily working away on my summer collection with bit's and pieces appearing on my social media pages recently. I might need you to keep your eyes peeled too ... just saying!
If anyone does happen to come across my work at any point, please do let me know as I don't always find out. But a little bit of press every now and again is a good thing and the exposure is always nice.
An example of new sea studies left into Market House Design recently.
I recently left in new stock into Market House Design in Gorey and was surprised at how quickly my lovely new teal blue/green lampshade was snapped up the following morning. I had only left the stock in the evening before. Thank you to whoever you are and I understand you bought from me before also. So in I had to run and re-place that one, there are three lampshades actually I think one, if not out on display is in the stock room. But there shall be more of the shell one's coming soon and hopefully by July, you'll be able to purchase my work online! Fingers crossed! If your a fan of my lampshades you might like to hear that I'll soon be introducing floor lights! And something small and dainty - not Interior related.
Right now, I'm trying to figure out how to change the dpi on images and send them off asap so until part 2, I have to go figure this out and send them off today!!
Gráinne :)
http://www.grainnekennydesign.com
Back in January, I mentioned that this year I was going to make 2016 my year and just have a go at everything!
I tend to hold back sometimes and wait but if there is one thing 2016 has thought me already is to take a chance and while I can make the most of every day and everything.
So what's new?
I've already been looking into an event for 2017. (Yes just under nine months away, I move quickly!) I've been in touch with my local Enterprise board and expressed my Interest regarding that. So I look forward to that what develops from there. I've also signed up for two courses with them next month (May).
In other news, I have been approached countless times asking if I teach textile workshops?
I was also asked this twice in the past week, it's funny how things come together all at once.
I've never ruled workshops out and knew the time would come around at some point, so low and behold ... it could be happening??
I've never taught before so it scares me a little, but I'm from a family history of teachers so maybe it might come naturally, who knows! Actually I did teach a 1 on 1 with a transition year student about two years ago, on how to use a sewing machine and help with a project.
In other news, I am busily working away on my summer collection with bit's and pieces appearing on my social media pages recently. I might need you to keep your eyes peeled too ... just saying!
If anyone does happen to come across my work at any point, please do let me know as I don't always find out. But a little bit of press every now and again is a good thing and the exposure is always nice.
An example of new sea studies left into Market House Design recently.
I recently left in new stock into Market House Design in Gorey and was surprised at how quickly my lovely new teal blue/green lampshade was snapped up the following morning. I had only left the stock in the evening before. Thank you to whoever you are and I understand you bought from me before also. So in I had to run and re-place that one, there are three lampshades actually I think one, if not out on display is in the stock room. But there shall be more of the shell one's coming soon and hopefully by July, you'll be able to purchase my work online! Fingers crossed! If your a fan of my lampshades you might like to hear that I'll soon be introducing floor lights! And something small and dainty - not Interior related.
Right now, I'm trying to figure out how to change the dpi on images and send them off asap so until part 2, I have to go figure this out and send them off today!!
Gráinne :)
http://www.grainnekennydesign.com
Thursday, 24 March 2016
S/S 2016 - Inspiration Blue & other Trends.
Hi again, so it is now the middle of March. Gosh time is flying and a bit too quickly for my liking.
Anyway, I was going to share this post on St.Patrick's Day last week as planned, but thought with the day that was in it everyone would be too busy having fun to bother reading my blog, so I decided to leave it closer to Easter and prepare it then.
So here I am!
This year for me is really all about new beginnings, new directions and deciding on what is working for me and what to leave behind.
By now, I have figured out what works and what products I have been creating work best for me.
I do have a tendency to jump around a bit, trying my hands at different things and it can become all a bit confusing. Sometimes it's best to stick to what you know, although it's fun to try other ideas and way's of creating designs but it just gets a bit much.
The theme of the Seashore has been an ongoing theme with me since ahem ... the year 2000, so yes 16 years of exploring the Seashore theme. Yes, Nature was thrown in from time to time, but I keep going back to the Sea.
I love the Sea, I live minutes away from it and I've always felt close to it.
Something keeps drawing me in and I never tire from it and to date all has gone well.
By now if you have been following my blog, you will know that I love research. Below are a few Images that I've saved to my computer via my Pinterest page. All images have the original credit under the photos on Pinterest. I don't own these Images but if you need to know where they came from you know where to look. I also have secret boards.
I pinned these to my board 'Trends 2016'.
It's funny, I usually don't follow trends and like to stick to my own taste in Colour and so on.
But surprisingly there is always a colour or two that pops up that I have used or might be thinking of using. It's strange!
However, I do buy at least two Interior Design Magazines per month, I would rather reach for these on a shelf to that of Fashion led Magazines. Although I do buy the occasional one just to keep up on what's new, as I do love my fashion too!
I love Interiors and secretly love programs such as 'A place in the sun', 'Escape to the country' and 'Fantasy homes by the .... wait for it... Sea!! I just love looking at houses and Interiors in general.
From time to time I would look at Trends, we had to do a lot of that in college for projects and in a way it is important to be on top of what is going on or in season. But in the end everything goes!
Luckily for me Blue is big this Spring/Summer 2016 and it will flow into Autumn/Winter as well so that fine by me! Colours such as Teal and Peacock Blue are huge. There are many other trends too, one I'm also loving is the 'Warm Metallic's' trend and you will notice that I have a love of Copper with Blue or Gold and Blue. (See Images below)
I use hints of a Japanese metallic yarn in weaving, it's a very fine yarn but has a lovely sheen to it and I also use gold and copper leaf and gilding pastes in metallic tones in mixed media and I've worked with copper wire.
So far this year, I've done some re-branding I have a logo (finally!) plus I got Vouchers done.
I've been developing some new pieces, see an example below.
Next stop now is to upload an online shop, one does exist on ETSY but all I've done so far with that ages ago was a public profile. Time to re-look at that, as from speaking to other designer pals it's a good thing to have.
This year I hope to expand my stockists, so far I have three altogether in Co. Wexford with two of these located in Gorey and probably adding more as time goes on in other counties. That's the long-term goal anyway and I have my heart set on something I've always wanted to do and I'm working towards that. I think or at least I know I am ready for it now.
I've a much clearer goal set and my goal is to stick to what I know and do it well and hopefully everything will fall into place from there.
I am weaving at the moment, I'm experimenting with Indigo dye and techniques in Ikat. I've been having fun tying resists onto hanks and just developing my ideas. Like I mentioned before in a previous post, I'm beginning to create a balanced link which is what I'm trying to achieve. Lampshades and framed works I'll return too shortly and I'm developing new pieces too. I'm mixing textiles with a non textile material as well for another project which I hope you'll like.
I've also been looking at trade shows and inquiring about them, but I've made no decisions as yet. However, I do have my eye on one but that's ages away still.
I went walking with a friend the other evening and she told me I should make a bucket list or a list of things I'd love to do or that I want to do and set out and try and achieve them. So that's kind of where I'm at. I do have a bucket list board on Pinterest alright and an tick one off that list, which was to ride on a camel. I got to do that last year it was fun, bumpy but fun!!
So anyway, please see below some Images that I've pulled from my Pinterst Profile, that have been inspiring me as of late.
Do keep an eye on my Facebook page for updates and Images and I shall post hopefully some Imagery of my own for you in April.
The link to my Pinterest profile is as follows ... https://www.pinterest.com/grainnekenny/
:) Gráinne x
First of all here are a few Images of recent work that I've made.
Images from Pinterest - Blue and Gold Inspiration - All Images credited on Pinterest.
Anyway, I was going to share this post on St.Patrick's Day last week as planned, but thought with the day that was in it everyone would be too busy having fun to bother reading my blog, so I decided to leave it closer to Easter and prepare it then.
So here I am!
This year for me is really all about new beginnings, new directions and deciding on what is working for me and what to leave behind.
By now, I have figured out what works and what products I have been creating work best for me.
I do have a tendency to jump around a bit, trying my hands at different things and it can become all a bit confusing. Sometimes it's best to stick to what you know, although it's fun to try other ideas and way's of creating designs but it just gets a bit much.
The theme of the Seashore has been an ongoing theme with me since ahem ... the year 2000, so yes 16 years of exploring the Seashore theme. Yes, Nature was thrown in from time to time, but I keep going back to the Sea.
I love the Sea, I live minutes away from it and I've always felt close to it.
Something keeps drawing me in and I never tire from it and to date all has gone well.
By now if you have been following my blog, you will know that I love research. Below are a few Images that I've saved to my computer via my Pinterest page. All images have the original credit under the photos on Pinterest. I don't own these Images but if you need to know where they came from you know where to look. I also have secret boards.
I pinned these to my board 'Trends 2016'.
It's funny, I usually don't follow trends and like to stick to my own taste in Colour and so on.
But surprisingly there is always a colour or two that pops up that I have used or might be thinking of using. It's strange!
However, I do buy at least two Interior Design Magazines per month, I would rather reach for these on a shelf to that of Fashion led Magazines. Although I do buy the occasional one just to keep up on what's new, as I do love my fashion too!
I love Interiors and secretly love programs such as 'A place in the sun', 'Escape to the country' and 'Fantasy homes by the .... wait for it... Sea!! I just love looking at houses and Interiors in general.
From time to time I would look at Trends, we had to do a lot of that in college for projects and in a way it is important to be on top of what is going on or in season. But in the end everything goes!
Luckily for me Blue is big this Spring/Summer 2016 and it will flow into Autumn/Winter as well so that fine by me! Colours such as Teal and Peacock Blue are huge. There are many other trends too, one I'm also loving is the 'Warm Metallic's' trend and you will notice that I have a love of Copper with Blue or Gold and Blue. (See Images below)
I use hints of a Japanese metallic yarn in weaving, it's a very fine yarn but has a lovely sheen to it and I also use gold and copper leaf and gilding pastes in metallic tones in mixed media and I've worked with copper wire.
So far this year, I've done some re-branding I have a logo (finally!) plus I got Vouchers done.
I've been developing some new pieces, see an example below.
Next stop now is to upload an online shop, one does exist on ETSY but all I've done so far with that ages ago was a public profile. Time to re-look at that, as from speaking to other designer pals it's a good thing to have.
This year I hope to expand my stockists, so far I have three altogether in Co. Wexford with two of these located in Gorey and probably adding more as time goes on in other counties. That's the long-term goal anyway and I have my heart set on something I've always wanted to do and I'm working towards that. I think or at least I know I am ready for it now.
I've a much clearer goal set and my goal is to stick to what I know and do it well and hopefully everything will fall into place from there.
I am weaving at the moment, I'm experimenting with Indigo dye and techniques in Ikat. I've been having fun tying resists onto hanks and just developing my ideas. Like I mentioned before in a previous post, I'm beginning to create a balanced link which is what I'm trying to achieve. Lampshades and framed works I'll return too shortly and I'm developing new pieces too. I'm mixing textiles with a non textile material as well for another project which I hope you'll like.
I've also been looking at trade shows and inquiring about them, but I've made no decisions as yet. However, I do have my eye on one but that's ages away still.
I went walking with a friend the other evening and she told me I should make a bucket list or a list of things I'd love to do or that I want to do and set out and try and achieve them. So that's kind of where I'm at. I do have a bucket list board on Pinterest alright and an tick one off that list, which was to ride on a camel. I got to do that last year it was fun, bumpy but fun!!
So anyway, please see below some Images that I've pulled from my Pinterst Profile, that have been inspiring me as of late.
Do keep an eye on my Facebook page for updates and Images and I shall post hopefully some Imagery of my own for you in April.
The link to my Pinterest profile is as follows ... https://www.pinterest.com/grainnekenny/
:) Gráinne x
First of all here are a few Images of recent work that I've made.
Images from Pinterest - Blue and Gold Inspiration - All Images credited on Pinterest.
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
One step at a time.
I suppose I should really start off by saying Happy New Year, ahem... almost two months later!
January 2016 started off slowly and nicely and I spent some quality time over Christmas with family and friends and even got to visit relatives down in Dun Chaoin in Kerry last month. February has been a tough month, due to a private circumstance. (All went well) But with that said I'm hoping 2016 will be good from here on in.
On the work front, because of the latest happenings I'm a bit behind schedule but I'll catch up. I've been reviewing my work and my stock and that of it stocked in stockists. As you might of noticed, low and behold four years later I designed and created my own logo earlier this month and it's replaced all the photos of me from that of on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN, Instagram and oh and on here! I also designed gift vouchers and a new set of business cards all with same matching logo. See below.
Back to discussing my work.
When I was in Kerry in January I visited the Aquarium in Dingle and took many photos of the fish and other sea life at the aquarium. It was fun and the colours and patterns of some of the fish was truly beautiful.
I have used a seashore theme for my work for as long as I can remember, I do try to switch themes now and again but always end up coming back to the sea. And so it's kind of like my trademark, it's me, it suits me and I'll probably never stray from it. I'm completely obsessed with all things to do with the ocean. (My favourite fish strangely is that of a shark...seriously... and the aquarium had two of them!) It's also no surprise that my favorite colour is Turquoise followed by calm colours such as pale pinks, purples, taupes, cream and charcoal & soft greys with hints of metallic gold and copper. I also love green but a sea green. These colours seem to follow me everywhere too. I have tried to be bolder with colour and go outside my comfort zone and I have made some choices along the way and some worked and others not so much.
I am a handweaver, I know I may have strayed off the path a bit and yes I do a lot of mixed media textiles that I love. I specialized in this first before I ever chose and became engrossed with weaving. I love the option of having both. Both sit well alongside each other but I'm still searching for that link and I think I may have found it.
I'm currently on the loom, I'm threading at the moment and it's going well. It's a slow process but it's calming at the same time so long as I don't skip a thread or a heddle I'll be fine. I have a plain cream coloured warp on the loom with a very narrow strip of a pale green and grey through it. The finished product will be a hanging about a little over a meter long with a twist thrown in there too. Considering all goes according to plan.
Like I mentioned I've been reviewing my work.
Using the fish photos, recently I developed some of these into patterns using the computer and I got samples of the patterns that I created and got these digitally printed onto fabric. These arrived last week. I've done this before and it turned out really nice, for lampshades actually. I had developed the woven trim shades but found I was being asked for other designs and for patterns and all sorts. And so I did this. To be fair, I'm never going to please everyone. I don't want to have too many different things going on which to be fair is what had been happening. Plus the fact, remember that you never will please everyone either. Because I am a textile designer sometimes I think people expect that I can put my hand to anything and create what they want because I have the skills to weave and sew! I did start at creating lampshades sourcing unusual fabrics and developing my own ideas and created many a lampshade by using these methods and to be fair a lot of people like them.
That said, I had a customer in the studio looking for a lampshade last week and I had shown her the printed designs I used from my fish photos and she mentioned she preferred the trims and the more plainer approach fabrics and designs. She found them to be nice yet a bit structured or something along those lines, I can't remember her exact word. It's so difficult to know what people like. But it is good to get feedback from people too. I personally love creating the woven trim ones and creating my own designs. Below are a few designs from the fish photos taken in the aquarium. Left is the photo, right is the design.
I love some of them and I may get larger samples created and see what it looks like as a lampshade. (Not all shown above) But it is a fun process all the same. I do think some of these would make beautiful patterns for weaving or else using the colours and coming up with as close to a design that is in -keeping with the abstract print. I think I'll just have to experiment and see what works best for me to be honest.
At the moment for Spring/Summer a new collection of lampshades, woven hangings & cushions, framed seashore studies and something completely new is being developed, so watch this space! Each launching at different times between March - June. And an online shop is on the list and will follow later on in the year, if I can figure out how?
In keeping with the sea/fish theme, I'm also developing two further projects. One is mentioned above.
The other is launching end of March/beginning of April titled 'Underwater' using mixed media & weave (Hint:Can be worn) - all shall be revealed, however one step at a time!
Log onto Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings and check website for updates and news!
Gráinne :) x
January 2016 started off slowly and nicely and I spent some quality time over Christmas with family and friends and even got to visit relatives down in Dun Chaoin in Kerry last month. February has been a tough month, due to a private circumstance. (All went well) But with that said I'm hoping 2016 will be good from here on in.
On the work front, because of the latest happenings I'm a bit behind schedule but I'll catch up. I've been reviewing my work and my stock and that of it stocked in stockists. As you might of noticed, low and behold four years later I designed and created my own logo earlier this month and it's replaced all the photos of me from that of on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN, Instagram and oh and on here! I also designed gift vouchers and a new set of business cards all with same matching logo. See below.
Back to discussing my work.
When I was in Kerry in January I visited the Aquarium in Dingle and took many photos of the fish and other sea life at the aquarium. It was fun and the colours and patterns of some of the fish was truly beautiful.
I have used a seashore theme for my work for as long as I can remember, I do try to switch themes now and again but always end up coming back to the sea. And so it's kind of like my trademark, it's me, it suits me and I'll probably never stray from it. I'm completely obsessed with all things to do with the ocean. (My favourite fish strangely is that of a shark...seriously... and the aquarium had two of them!) It's also no surprise that my favorite colour is Turquoise followed by calm colours such as pale pinks, purples, taupes, cream and charcoal & soft greys with hints of metallic gold and copper. I also love green but a sea green. These colours seem to follow me everywhere too. I have tried to be bolder with colour and go outside my comfort zone and I have made some choices along the way and some worked and others not so much.
I am a handweaver, I know I may have strayed off the path a bit and yes I do a lot of mixed media textiles that I love. I specialized in this first before I ever chose and became engrossed with weaving. I love the option of having both. Both sit well alongside each other but I'm still searching for that link and I think I may have found it.
I'm currently on the loom, I'm threading at the moment and it's going well. It's a slow process but it's calming at the same time so long as I don't skip a thread or a heddle I'll be fine. I have a plain cream coloured warp on the loom with a very narrow strip of a pale green and grey through it. The finished product will be a hanging about a little over a meter long with a twist thrown in there too. Considering all goes according to plan.
Like I mentioned I've been reviewing my work.
Using the fish photos, recently I developed some of these into patterns using the computer and I got samples of the patterns that I created and got these digitally printed onto fabric. These arrived last week. I've done this before and it turned out really nice, for lampshades actually. I had developed the woven trim shades but found I was being asked for other designs and for patterns and all sorts. And so I did this. To be fair, I'm never going to please everyone. I don't want to have too many different things going on which to be fair is what had been happening. Plus the fact, remember that you never will please everyone either. Because I am a textile designer sometimes I think people expect that I can put my hand to anything and create what they want because I have the skills to weave and sew! I did start at creating lampshades sourcing unusual fabrics and developing my own ideas and created many a lampshade by using these methods and to be fair a lot of people like them.
That said, I had a customer in the studio looking for a lampshade last week and I had shown her the printed designs I used from my fish photos and she mentioned she preferred the trims and the more plainer approach fabrics and designs. She found them to be nice yet a bit structured or something along those lines, I can't remember her exact word. It's so difficult to know what people like. But it is good to get feedback from people too. I personally love creating the woven trim ones and creating my own designs. Below are a few designs from the fish photos taken in the aquarium. Left is the photo, right is the design.
I love some of them and I may get larger samples created and see what it looks like as a lampshade. (Not all shown above) But it is a fun process all the same. I do think some of these would make beautiful patterns for weaving or else using the colours and coming up with as close to a design that is in -keeping with the abstract print. I think I'll just have to experiment and see what works best for me to be honest.
At the moment for Spring/Summer a new collection of lampshades, woven hangings & cushions, framed seashore studies and something completely new is being developed, so watch this space! Each launching at different times between March - June. And an online shop is on the list and will follow later on in the year, if I can figure out how?
In keeping with the sea/fish theme, I'm also developing two further projects. One is mentioned above.
The other is launching end of March/beginning of April titled 'Underwater' using mixed media & weave (Hint:Can be worn) - all shall be revealed, however one step at a time!
Log onto Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings and check website for updates and news!
Gráinne :) x
Monday, 21 December 2015
2015 - The year in review!
So it's almost Christmas, as I approach my 4th business birthday next year/month (January 23rd) minus a tiny bump in the road along the way early last year, it happens! I'd like to reflect on what I've achieved during 2015.
After a great end to 2014, came a quiet first few months you could say of 2015. I decided that this was going to be the year that I try and improve everything including my own self, health wise!
To make a long story short (for anyone who knows me well, yes I typed an essay of words below and since deleted it and here I'm trying to start it again but shortening it down by using the sentence ... to make a long story short!) Yes, so trying to keep this short I joined a walking group in January. Since August,I've been doing HIIT - High Intensity Interval Training which targets specific areas of my body depending on what I'm doing. And I'm enjoying that and I have made great progress and I'm planning on seeing it though into 2016 until I reach my target. So that was one goal ticked off my list.
Anyway, low and behold! It was taking forever but, I finally changed my website!!
In May, I launched my new website that I (pat myself on the back) created myself with the help of an online builder called Weebly. I was shocked with the amount of money professionals were quoting me and I don't know about others but it's great to change the content yourself without having to phone up and getting someone else to do so. I know people that have to get in contact with their website creator, every time they want something updated on their website and it can take a while. So after many a late night and trying to move the damn domain from one host to another which took a few days to do so, I finally went live in May. It's been on my mind for the past hmmm... two years! Long time. Yes it still needs re-tweaking here and there but it's great to have that done.
I also created new business cards that I also designed with the help of Vistaprint. All came out perfect, unlike the last company I went with. So I'll be sticking with Vistaprint, Moo (another company) was suggested to me but I decided to go my own way and choose the others. And I am thrilled with them.
Onto Press, my work was featured in both 'The Irish Times' Magazine in August and most recently 'Irish Tatler' the Christmas December Issue - the one with Laura Whitmore on the front cover.
All aspects of my own business is managed by myself, it's a challenge but I enjoy it!
I often get asked where do you find the time?
To answer that I'm not sure, I also manage (well since re-manage) not only my own Facebook & Twitter business pages but also both the same for Wexford Craft Trail. So trying to keep all happy including myself can be hard going but I enjoy that too!
Do I find time for my own work?
Yes!
I finished the year up by doing two Christmas Craft Fairs, one at 'Springmount Garden Centre' and one at 'Wexford Arts Centre'. Both went well despite the weather. Springmount faired to be the best of the two. But both were enjoyable and it was lovely to meet new people. It was fun! :)
I know I'm probably leaving out other stuff but I think the above were the main key things that I achieved this year, oh and to add a new stockist to my list in November ... long may it grow!
2016 NEWS: There will be a shake up from about March. Up until then I'll be less active online and then hit you with new stuff! If you think I'm done with Christmas decorations, think again. I'm continuing with baubles, like I did earlier this year in January for about a month. I have plans for these and will announce that later in the year. :)
I also have two new products launching around Spring & Easter, both wearable. One all handwoven on the loom, the other is textile based too but with a twist!
Other plans in mind, include textile workshops for children aged from strictly 8yrs (no younger) to early teens only! I'll possibly be looking at Easter/early Summer for this. I've a lot to think on still. It will all be very new! There has been people asking me this as of late would I be Interested in it, so watch this space! And some other ideas I want to keep under wraps and not spoil everything now by mentioning all. But I have a feeling it's going to be a good year!! ;)
So with that, I just want to wish all reading this a very Happy Christmas & Best wishes for 2016!
Gráinne x :)
After a great end to 2014, came a quiet first few months you could say of 2015. I decided that this was going to be the year that I try and improve everything including my own self, health wise!
To make a long story short (for anyone who knows me well, yes I typed an essay of words below and since deleted it and here I'm trying to start it again but shortening it down by using the sentence ... to make a long story short!) Yes, so trying to keep this short I joined a walking group in January. Since August,I've been doing HIIT - High Intensity Interval Training which targets specific areas of my body depending on what I'm doing. And I'm enjoying that and I have made great progress and I'm planning on seeing it though into 2016 until I reach my target. So that was one goal ticked off my list.
Anyway, low and behold! It was taking forever but, I finally changed my website!!
In May, I launched my new website that I (pat myself on the back) created myself with the help of an online builder called Weebly. I was shocked with the amount of money professionals were quoting me and I don't know about others but it's great to change the content yourself without having to phone up and getting someone else to do so. I know people that have to get in contact with their website creator, every time they want something updated on their website and it can take a while. So after many a late night and trying to move the damn domain from one host to another which took a few days to do so, I finally went live in May. It's been on my mind for the past hmmm... two years! Long time. Yes it still needs re-tweaking here and there but it's great to have that done.
I also created new business cards that I also designed with the help of Vistaprint. All came out perfect, unlike the last company I went with. So I'll be sticking with Vistaprint, Moo (another company) was suggested to me but I decided to go my own way and choose the others. And I am thrilled with them.
Onto Press, my work was featured in both 'The Irish Times' Magazine in August and most recently 'Irish Tatler' the Christmas December Issue - the one with Laura Whitmore on the front cover.
All aspects of my own business is managed by myself, it's a challenge but I enjoy it!
I often get asked where do you find the time?
To answer that I'm not sure, I also manage (well since re-manage) not only my own Facebook & Twitter business pages but also both the same for Wexford Craft Trail. So trying to keep all happy including myself can be hard going but I enjoy that too!
Do I find time for my own work?
Yes!
I finished the year up by doing two Christmas Craft Fairs, one at 'Springmount Garden Centre' and one at 'Wexford Arts Centre'. Both went well despite the weather. Springmount faired to be the best of the two. But both were enjoyable and it was lovely to meet new people. It was fun! :)
I know I'm probably leaving out other stuff but I think the above were the main key things that I achieved this year, oh and to add a new stockist to my list in November ... long may it grow!
2016 NEWS: There will be a shake up from about March. Up until then I'll be less active online and then hit you with new stuff! If you think I'm done with Christmas decorations, think again. I'm continuing with baubles, like I did earlier this year in January for about a month. I have plans for these and will announce that later in the year. :)
I also have two new products launching around Spring & Easter, both wearable. One all handwoven on the loom, the other is textile based too but with a twist!
Other plans in mind, include textile workshops for children aged from strictly 8yrs (no younger) to early teens only! I'll possibly be looking at Easter/early Summer for this. I've a lot to think on still. It will all be very new! There has been people asking me this as of late would I be Interested in it, so watch this space! And some other ideas I want to keep under wraps and not spoil everything now by mentioning all. But I have a feeling it's going to be a good year!! ;)
So with that, I just want to wish all reading this a very Happy Christmas & Best wishes for 2016!
Gráinne x :)
Monday, 5 October 2015
Something New!
Hello October!
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
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
Saturday, 5 September 2015
New Season & Up-Coming Exhibition.
Yes that's right it is September and the second month of Autumn. (Yes August is seen as a summer holiday month, but it is in fact the start of Autumn!)So really we are half way through.
I missed a blog post for August so I'm skipping on. :)
I had a good summer, shame about the weather but there are talks of an Indian Summer for next week (I'll keep my fingers crossed then so!)
Next week for me is going to be busy.
I am one of four local Craftspeople exhibiting at Springmount Garden Centre, Ballycanew Road, Gorey from Thursday 10th of September.
Our opening evening is on Thursday 10th at 7pm and all are welcome!
I've known about this exhibition for a long time, I actually work part-time at Springmount so I know what's on most of the time and I'm looking forward to exhibiting my work here. The three others are Robert O'Connor who is a local Wood-turner, Christien Van Bussell,she is a Ceramic Artist/Potter and William Stedmond who does Photography. It should be a great show.
Springmount is a lovely place and the gallery upstairs is fairly large, in fact Springmount was the first place that I did my first ever Craft Fair. This is where I started out and I think I did at least two to three Christmas fairs and one at Easter. A few months later I took a stand at 'The Knitting & Stitching Show' in the RDS, Dublin where I sat on the landing between the Irish Lace makers guild and the Irish Feltmakers guild who took me under their wing (all looked after me!!) and were lovely to me during the duration of the show as I was on my own and it opened my eyes to what could be. However, I went off to further develop my CV and studied Visual Merchandising at Dublin Institute of Design on Nassau Street which then led to working for a couple of months with Shaw's, while I still continued my craft and then finally took the plunge in January of 2012 and started my own business in textile design. Honestly, I've had a few ups and downs along the way, it's not easy! I'd say from about mid 2014 things progressed a lot more and I even have a few stockists and I hope by looking on that it continues to grow. Above all I am happy anyway and I think that what's most Important.
I love my work, I love colour (you might notice that next week!) I am a sucker for detail and tactile surfaces.
I suppose when I'm not in the studio, I love taking photographs of anything .... mainly nature/sea/sky. I like to paint the odd time, my first choice in college was Textiles and if I had not of got that my 2nd choice was Painting.
I don't want to share photos now of work I'm exhibiting, as it will ruin it for those of you who might go see it.
I am collaborating with Robert again by using his lamp bases, three of my new A/W 2015 lampshades will appear on plinths that shall sit on his bases and lit of course! I have a set of four pieces to do with 'Seasons' and each one has a leaf and each leaf is different except for spring and summer. These are circular and framed in a boxed white frame. Some other shades will hang down and some other pieces too but that's all I'm saying! Yes so I'm setting up the day before,the opening is on Thursday and I am another year older on Friday! ;) And on Saturday I'm going to go and treat myself and relax!
Then it's straight into work again and making baubles and Christmas stock, sorry have to say it as it's only 112 days or so till then! Not that I'm counting ... !! :/
The exhibition 'Kaleidoscope' is still running at Market House Design until the 30th September. (My work is also in this one)
Do check on my Facebook page for peeps of pieces and posts.
Oh... I did have some press recently. My Purple Lampshade featured in 'The Irish Times Magazine' on the 30th August, page 7.
I would not have known only for somebody I knew spotted it and sent me a tweet via Twitter about it. So that was nice to see.
Oh and last but not least, I designed new business cards too ... (Showing front side only)
Don't forget the exhibition opens on September 10th and runs until I think the end of the month, but may check that!
Until my next post.
Gráinne :)
Tuesday, 14 July 2015
July 2015 - What's Happening?
Hi again.
Right so I skipped June and it's now mid July, is it just me or are the weeks flying!
I'm going to keep this blog post short (Hmmm... I wonder!) even though a lot has happened since May.
So what is new?
I suppose I'll start with my own work, I've been steadily working away. I have new stock in both 'Market House Design' and 'The Woodturning Studio' in town, so if your visiting Gorey at all this summer make sure you pop in and visit both of these lovely places.
I am delighted to announce that I have a new stockist called 'The Forge Craft Shop' in Baldwinstown, Co. Wexford (close to Kilmore Quay)You will find a small collection of lampshades and framed pieces of mine stocked here.
I will be switching the theme of my work come August to plants, flowers and butterflies.
So, I work part time in Springmount Garden Centre in Ballycanew (Lots of Inspiration around me) and I'll be creating a body of work based on the colour's and textures of some of the flowers there. I've half started this theme already by moving it into my weaving.
It's very hard as an artist not to get distracted by such a variety of colour, pattern, detail, shape and texture of plants. And I love butterflies so I've been creating stitched butterflies and stiffening them after building up layers of texture and adding beads. The butterflies and floral theme will creep into one piece for the upcoming exhibition 'Kaleidoscope' at Market House Design starting very soon ...next week in fact,this exhibition will continue through for the 'Gorey Market House Festival' end of July/August Bank Holiday that's coming up soon!
Then I'm looking at creating three more panels. The panels will be for an exhibition that is in the pipeline for September that I'm doing alongside three other locals.
The same theme will follow through for the winter, for lampshades and cushions and something new that you can wear that will also tie in the same theme.
My work is mostly Sea Inspired and I#ll come back around to this too, but it's good to try new themes/ideas too and although I love Blue, I'll make sure it makes an appearance! ;)
My weaving is going well, I've a monster of a warp on the loom but it's been behaving itself so far, so good anyhow!
Photos to come soon!
This time of the year I find framed work sells well, to start with it's Wedding season so there is always someone looking for a present that is a bit unique to that of handing over money or buying the happy couple that third toaster or cutlery set like everybody else.
The Seashore studies of mine fit well into this category. I've been told my pricing is very reasonable and I suppose these people are right, but there is no point in charging to high because I know they might be harder to sell. And worse case scenario is under selling your work so I think somewhere in the middle and at a price that your happy with works best as log as you cover your costs!
I research all the time, (loved research I was practically a library worm in college, always had my nose in a book )
One of the things I learnt while doing my business plan is who are your other competitors. There are many weavers I know that bit, but I know there are other people out there making things for example take Lampshades, I know of four other lampshade makers there is one in Donegal and she paints onto silk, two in Dublin one of these are a shop in the city center specializing in lampshade restoration and making, the other is a lady who did Interior Design and started a lampshade making company and sells through fairs in south Dublin and Wicklow and the fourth is from Kildare and she sources fabric and creates funky, bright shades in all patterns, to animal print fur and comic ones for kids/teens where as I'm very different again but I am aware of who else is out there, which in a way you have to be!
As for my framed work, I came across an artist who just uses felt and from a personal point of view, you can make out due to the colour's of the piece if its a sunset or a landscape but again it's just made using felt, nothing else and boxed in a frame, her work is abstract so you need to really look and understand exactly what it is,to me I can see where she's coming from but it's just bands of colour in the end and costing around the ninety euro mark. I use felt and other fibres too and beads, shells and other media and it makes me think shit, should I be charging more when I compare mine to her's as there is more going on in mine.
I do know that once upon a time ago I could, but that day is gone, in order to sell and make profit one has to come down off their price, I did so and I know I once charged crazy prices for my work but in order to sell you need to re-think of ways in order to do so.
I used to make larger, bigger pieces that once sold well, now I'm finding the smaller pieces are doing better. Unless someone is willing to shell out the money for a bigger piece, there's not many people around here that will. Unless you travel to where you think they are that might work!? Everybody is different, even talking to fellow friends who are both in the art and craft world some are doing rather well and others are struggling. It ain't easy!
I can however sympathtise there with those who are feeling the pressure and admit that I had been in a bit of a rut towards the end of 2013/early 2014 ... so quite recent!
I took a short break from my business (I did have other things going on) and re-thought things through and made changes to my business plan, pulled myself together and threw myself back into my work and to be honest I'm glad that it happened and I know that it sounds strange but in fact it made me stronger. And I know I'm not the first to experience this as I later discovered. But I'm, glad it happened early and not somewhere down the road because the road I'm on now is grand. I'm not a throw yourself into everything type of person, I'm more take things slowly but surely and eventually I'll get there!
Knowing me I've gone way off course here and wanting to keep this post short is an understatement!!!
Wait there is more .....
Onto Exhibitions for this Summer, I've already mentioned 'Market House Design' and 'The Gorey Market House Festival' that's on the end of July/August Bank Holiday weekend. Plenty to do and see as Gorey is the place to be on the August Bank Holiday! I have work/new work on display and available to purchase there. So as far as that is concerned I have no confirmed dates for the exhibition in September or anything there after as yet, but do keep a eye on my website for details. Or on Facebook at Grainne Kenny Design.
Oh and I'm glad to say that I gave myself that nudge I needed and launched my brand new website last month ....finally!!!!
It did take a while and there are still some adjustments and there will be further adjustments as I go.
Do take a look http://www.grainnekennydesign.com
In other news, I will be holding an open day here in the studio sometime over the next couple of weeks for an afternoon. Date/Time to be confirmed. Some sale stock will be available. It will be posted as an event to Facebook and appear on the website under news/events. Gift vouchers will be available on the day if there is someone in mind you would like to buy a voucher for or even treat yourself! I've only ever held one open day and that was the day I opened the studio almost 2 years ago next month. So that's on the agenda. Towards end of August/Early Sept.
Below is a selection of lampshades available from 'The Woodturning Studio' in Gorey and from Market House Design.
Do pop into both as mentioned before and Robert who owns the Woodturning Studio is also holding an exhibition of his own work at his studio during this time, so I recommend you visit him as his work is stunning!
I also have some framed studies in Market House Design and a few new ones plus a very Colourful piece being delivered in from Saturday. It also acts as the Tourist Office so everything you need to know about Gorey, you'll find out from there.
Here you will find a selection of work by Wexford and South East Craftspeople including work by four of my fellow Wexford Craft Trail members they are Annette Whealan - Glass, Paul Maloney - Pottery, Robert O'Connor - Wood turning and Patsy Flood O'Connor - Millinery. The perfect place for pressie shopping and buying Quality Irish Design/Craft.
Applique Medium Lampshade €55 Euro - Available from Market House Design, Main Street, Gorey.
'Little Yachts' - Cube Lampshade(Small) - €40 euro - Available from Market House Design, Main Street, Gorey
'Seashells' Medium Lampshade €65 Euro -Available from Market House Design, Main Street, Gorey
'Cherry Blossom' - Digital Print Lampshade - Available from The Woodturning Studio, Arklow Road, Gorey
More Lampshades available from 'The Woodturning Studio', Arklow Road, Gorey.
'Pink Butterfly','Spring Flowers' and 'Birds on a Branch'.
Digital Print Medium Lampshade - design taken from own Photograpgh €65 - Available from 'The Woodturning Studio'
Bye Until August,
Gráinne :)
Right so I skipped June and it's now mid July, is it just me or are the weeks flying!
I'm going to keep this blog post short (Hmmm... I wonder!) even though a lot has happened since May.
So what is new?
I suppose I'll start with my own work, I've been steadily working away. I have new stock in both 'Market House Design' and 'The Woodturning Studio' in town, so if your visiting Gorey at all this summer make sure you pop in and visit both of these lovely places.
I am delighted to announce that I have a new stockist called 'The Forge Craft Shop' in Baldwinstown, Co. Wexford (close to Kilmore Quay)You will find a small collection of lampshades and framed pieces of mine stocked here.
I will be switching the theme of my work come August to plants, flowers and butterflies.
So, I work part time in Springmount Garden Centre in Ballycanew (Lots of Inspiration around me) and I'll be creating a body of work based on the colour's and textures of some of the flowers there. I've half started this theme already by moving it into my weaving.
It's very hard as an artist not to get distracted by such a variety of colour, pattern, detail, shape and texture of plants. And I love butterflies so I've been creating stitched butterflies and stiffening them after building up layers of texture and adding beads. The butterflies and floral theme will creep into one piece for the upcoming exhibition 'Kaleidoscope' at Market House Design starting very soon ...next week in fact,this exhibition will continue through for the 'Gorey Market House Festival' end of July/August Bank Holiday that's coming up soon!
Then I'm looking at creating three more panels. The panels will be for an exhibition that is in the pipeline for September that I'm doing alongside three other locals.
The same theme will follow through for the winter, for lampshades and cushions and something new that you can wear that will also tie in the same theme.
My work is mostly Sea Inspired and I#ll come back around to this too, but it's good to try new themes/ideas too and although I love Blue, I'll make sure it makes an appearance! ;)
My weaving is going well, I've a monster of a warp on the loom but it's been behaving itself so far, so good anyhow!
Photos to come soon!
This time of the year I find framed work sells well, to start with it's Wedding season so there is always someone looking for a present that is a bit unique to that of handing over money or buying the happy couple that third toaster or cutlery set like everybody else.
The Seashore studies of mine fit well into this category. I've been told my pricing is very reasonable and I suppose these people are right, but there is no point in charging to high because I know they might be harder to sell. And worse case scenario is under selling your work so I think somewhere in the middle and at a price that your happy with works best as log as you cover your costs!
I research all the time, (loved research I was practically a library worm in college, always had my nose in a book )
One of the things I learnt while doing my business plan is who are your other competitors. There are many weavers I know that bit, but I know there are other people out there making things for example take Lampshades, I know of four other lampshade makers there is one in Donegal and she paints onto silk, two in Dublin one of these are a shop in the city center specializing in lampshade restoration and making, the other is a lady who did Interior Design and started a lampshade making company and sells through fairs in south Dublin and Wicklow and the fourth is from Kildare and she sources fabric and creates funky, bright shades in all patterns, to animal print fur and comic ones for kids/teens where as I'm very different again but I am aware of who else is out there, which in a way you have to be!
As for my framed work, I came across an artist who just uses felt and from a personal point of view, you can make out due to the colour's of the piece if its a sunset or a landscape but again it's just made using felt, nothing else and boxed in a frame, her work is abstract so you need to really look and understand exactly what it is,to me I can see where she's coming from but it's just bands of colour in the end and costing around the ninety euro mark. I use felt and other fibres too and beads, shells and other media and it makes me think shit, should I be charging more when I compare mine to her's as there is more going on in mine.
I do know that once upon a time ago I could, but that day is gone, in order to sell and make profit one has to come down off their price, I did so and I know I once charged crazy prices for my work but in order to sell you need to re-think of ways in order to do so.
I used to make larger, bigger pieces that once sold well, now I'm finding the smaller pieces are doing better. Unless someone is willing to shell out the money for a bigger piece, there's not many people around here that will. Unless you travel to where you think they are that might work!? Everybody is different, even talking to fellow friends who are both in the art and craft world some are doing rather well and others are struggling. It ain't easy!
I can however sympathtise there with those who are feeling the pressure and admit that I had been in a bit of a rut towards the end of 2013/early 2014 ... so quite recent!
I took a short break from my business (I did have other things going on) and re-thought things through and made changes to my business plan, pulled myself together and threw myself back into my work and to be honest I'm glad that it happened and I know that it sounds strange but in fact it made me stronger. And I know I'm not the first to experience this as I later discovered. But I'm, glad it happened early and not somewhere down the road because the road I'm on now is grand. I'm not a throw yourself into everything type of person, I'm more take things slowly but surely and eventually I'll get there!
Knowing me I've gone way off course here and wanting to keep this post short is an understatement!!!
Wait there is more .....
Onto Exhibitions for this Summer, I've already mentioned 'Market House Design' and 'The Gorey Market House Festival' that's on the end of July/August Bank Holiday weekend. Plenty to do and see as Gorey is the place to be on the August Bank Holiday! I have work/new work on display and available to purchase there. So as far as that is concerned I have no confirmed dates for the exhibition in September or anything there after as yet, but do keep a eye on my website for details. Or on Facebook at Grainne Kenny Design.
Oh and I'm glad to say that I gave myself that nudge I needed and launched my brand new website last month ....finally!!!!
It did take a while and there are still some adjustments and there will be further adjustments as I go.
Do take a look http://www.grainnekennydesign.com
In other news, I will be holding an open day here in the studio sometime over the next couple of weeks for an afternoon. Date/Time to be confirmed. Some sale stock will be available. It will be posted as an event to Facebook and appear on the website under news/events. Gift vouchers will be available on the day if there is someone in mind you would like to buy a voucher for or even treat yourself! I've only ever held one open day and that was the day I opened the studio almost 2 years ago next month. So that's on the agenda. Towards end of August/Early Sept.
Below is a selection of lampshades available from 'The Woodturning Studio' in Gorey and from Market House Design.
Do pop into both as mentioned before and Robert who owns the Woodturning Studio is also holding an exhibition of his own work at his studio during this time, so I recommend you visit him as his work is stunning!
I also have some framed studies in Market House Design and a few new ones plus a very Colourful piece being delivered in from Saturday. It also acts as the Tourist Office so everything you need to know about Gorey, you'll find out from there.
Here you will find a selection of work by Wexford and South East Craftspeople including work by four of my fellow Wexford Craft Trail members they are Annette Whealan - Glass, Paul Maloney - Pottery, Robert O'Connor - Wood turning and Patsy Flood O'Connor - Millinery. The perfect place for pressie shopping and buying Quality Irish Design/Craft.
Applique Medium Lampshade €55 Euro - Available from Market House Design, Main Street, Gorey.
'Little Yachts' - Cube Lampshade(Small) - €40 euro - Available from Market House Design, Main Street, Gorey
'Seashells' Medium Lampshade €65 Euro -Available from Market House Design, Main Street, Gorey
'Cherry Blossom' - Digital Print Lampshade - Available from The Woodturning Studio, Arklow Road, Gorey
More Lampshades available from 'The Woodturning Studio', Arklow Road, Gorey.
'Pink Butterfly','Spring Flowers' and 'Birds on a Branch'.
Digital Print Medium Lampshade - design taken from own Photograpgh €65 - Available from 'The Woodturning Studio'
Bye Until August,
Gráinne :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)