Hello again, it is now half way through March!
So I finally solved the problem regards posting up photographs. At present I can only upload using Firefox instead of Google. I'm having to do the same for photos and editing Information on my website. (That is soon changing, I'm switching to a new host and designing a new website to follow and should be complete by June.... fingers crossed!! My current website http://www.grainnekennydesign.com still exists and will be in place until next February 2016 as I'm paid up until then.
At the moment I'm focusing on producing and creating as much new stock as I can, to fill the studio again when the summer season and the Wexford Craft Trail re-starts for the Summer. As many may know, I'm a member and admin of the group Facebook page however, I'll soon be requiring help from fellow members from June, as this week I was appointed a new role for the up-coming year as Secretary. Padraic, Mary and Gilly stepped down last Monday and the new Chairperson is Mairéad Stafford, Secretary is me and Treasurer is Mairéad Cairbre. I'm not too sure what's in store, but here's hoping we will live up to the others and do a good job! So that's all very new.
Talking about new... there is also a new exhibition opening next week at the 'Market House Design' Gallery in Gorey. I have some new pieces that I left in yesterday for this exhibition opening on Tuesday. I'm still there and it's a great outlet for my work and I also have lampshades in Robert O'Connor's Studio to complement his wood turned lamp bases. Whether a person is looking for a base or a shade, the two together would make an ideal wedding or for any occasion gift. My Lampshades are made to order but I do have designs available to buy too.
As noted above I've finally figured out how to post photos again. I just have to switch from Google to Firefox to do so. It's a slight pain but at least I know I can post Imagery again.
There's not much else happening at the moment to be honest, I'm just in a head down and working on mode at the mo. I'm on the loom and have a pink - 'Raspberry Ripple' linen yarn as my warp on at present. It's going to be a length/hanging when done with a bit of a twist. Let's just say I'm trying out a few new ideas that I thought of in January and I'll be weaving for quite a while! Because I am a Weaver to start with like I mentioned in a previous post, the cosies, the lampshades, the mixed media studies there all fine but I'm taking two steps back and moving the weaving forward. And the goal is to link up shades, studies and weave somehow. Before I specialised in Weaving I was a mixed media/embroidery textile designer so that's where that creeps in and I love it. So when I started out in Weaving I brought elements of mixed media into my woven designs and I have continued to pursue that. So when I get asked what do I do, I always say I'm a Weaver but I also specialise in Mixed media textiles. I know it's good to focus on one thing alone but I like to be versatile so I do both. I weave with ribbons, feathers and I've also strung in pearls and beads into my weaving and like to embellish the cloth afterwards. I don't know of any weavers in Ireland doing the same, so it's what makes me more unique at the end of the day. We're all different.
So there you have it, I'm creating a series of lengths to start with and go from there. I have a few opportunities on the table, competitions and that and I've made it my mission to have a go at everything this year or at least try what I can and hopefully it will open up new things! My main focus now is to get through the Summer and the exhibition I hinted at for May has now moved to September.
Do pop into the exhibition in town this Easter and I will post a few photos on my April Post.
Grainne. :)
Friday, 27 March 2015
Friday, 6 February 2015
A Spring of Ideas.
Hello again, it is now the month of February and it's officially Spring. Lot's of ideas happening here, first there was designing my own fabric and used it to make Lampshades that turned out really well. More of this to come for S/S 2015. Weave Ideas and so on. It's the perfect time of year for exploring and experimenting so I have a few surprises in the making! Take note.
Anyway each Spring, I also do a large spring clean of the studio and re-arrange the furniture (AGAIN!) I have probably moved full circle at this stage around the room! My studio is fairly big, the larger of the two areas, the outer space I was using to display finished pieces but there just seemed to be a lot of space, empty space in the middle of the floor away from the walls while the longer side of the room, was pretty cramped with all of my materials, tables, books, boxes, shelves and so on. So earlier this week, I literally moved all of my weaving equipment and the loom, so when one enters the studio I'm behind the door. All of my yarns are colour co-ordinated (of course!!) each with their own shelf and I've created a sewing area alongside this. What greets people still is the larger of the walls with the metal slide across hanger/rail thing with all my framed textiles on it and to the right I've created a corner with cushions, lampshades and cosies and I plan to add to this. While leading back up to where the once meant to be kitchen area is, is where my work table still sits and other furnishings that store materials that I need. So I have two separate work areas now and dotted everywhere is finished work. I really like it now and I have a nice view of Tara hill through the tress while weaving at the window plus more light! I still have my signage up although I'm not open this time of the year however, these are going... in fact I'm getting a new one made in a while and only one, because at the moment I have two, one either side of entrance and to be fair I don't need two. However ... they are also causing some confusion with my parents B&B sign, because my sign is the first thing guests see as it's closer and so they drive past thinking they are in the wrong place! (I work from home) So I'm going smaller and perhaps placing it under the B&B sign, I'm not sure yet but if you happen to drive past and see them gone in the next week and think 'oh god she's closed up' .... no I haven't I'm just having it re-done! I'm still here!!!
Back to business, I'm setting up the loom again. I have a small narrow warp this time in a Linen yarn to tie on. I love linen, it's a lovely yarn to weave with and comes in various weights. I prefer finer yarns to that of thick, chunky yarn. If I was to use a thicker yarn I'd prefer to use this in the weft rather then the warp. Warping a loom is a bit tricky and known has the hard bit as you have to make sure each warp thread is threaded perfectly, if not prepare for all hell to break loose when, if like me you happen to skip a heddle or snap an end. These things happen, but the joy of it is once your set up and weaving away can be very relaxing. The joy of actually weaving and whereby creating fabric is so rewarding, regardless of weaving being a slow process! So yes I'm weaving again, I was quite busy with elves and baubles the past month or so that it's nice to get back to normal.
Referring back to my post heading I do have a string of Ideas on the go, this Sunday I'm having a go at space dyeing yarn. In fact I'm going to dye the linen warp although it's already coloured. I'm going to piece dye areas of it, leave it to dry and then undo it and tie/thread up onto the loom. The weft threads will be as normal. I have dip dyed hanks before for use as weft yarn and these resulted in exciting effects. I enjoy dyeing yarn/fabric, I've dyed all sorts of yarn/fabric even right down to feathers. I even loved mixing up colours for screen printing, I just love the joy of creating colour. The only colours I hate are Black and Gold. I prefer warmer tones like copper when it comes to metallic. I like a charcoal grey though, but black is a no go. I hate monochrome, neon and pastels to a certain degree. I love bright colours, jewel tones, sea/shades of blue tones and calm/neutral as in cream. )
As mentioned in Januarys posting I'll be introducing a new product later in the year and I'm developing on existing ones so I've plenty to be doing. If there is one thing I find really useful and a great place to source Images it's that of Pinterest. I'm on Pinterest simply just under my own name Grainne Kenny. I love visuals and it's a great site to use. You can create various boards based on whatever it is your wanting to look up and add to these. I joined sometime last year or so. Great ideas for Interior Designers or anyone really! There are a few boards that I have created that I'm using to go with my Inspiration at the moment. I love it!
Well best get back to it once I go for my daily walk with the dog. I'm still experiencing problems with uploading images to blogger. It's dreadfully annoying as I don't know why this is. So much that I started thinking about moving my blog to Wordpress so that I can then link this to the new website ... when I start that. Will see whether I decide to close this or not.
Anyway do check Facebook at Grainne Kenny Design or Twitter at grainnek11 for all updates and Images of my work until my next post in March.
Anyway each Spring, I also do a large spring clean of the studio and re-arrange the furniture (AGAIN!) I have probably moved full circle at this stage around the room! My studio is fairly big, the larger of the two areas, the outer space I was using to display finished pieces but there just seemed to be a lot of space, empty space in the middle of the floor away from the walls while the longer side of the room, was pretty cramped with all of my materials, tables, books, boxes, shelves and so on. So earlier this week, I literally moved all of my weaving equipment and the loom, so when one enters the studio I'm behind the door. All of my yarns are colour co-ordinated (of course!!) each with their own shelf and I've created a sewing area alongside this. What greets people still is the larger of the walls with the metal slide across hanger/rail thing with all my framed textiles on it and to the right I've created a corner with cushions, lampshades and cosies and I plan to add to this. While leading back up to where the once meant to be kitchen area is, is where my work table still sits and other furnishings that store materials that I need. So I have two separate work areas now and dotted everywhere is finished work. I really like it now and I have a nice view of Tara hill through the tress while weaving at the window plus more light! I still have my signage up although I'm not open this time of the year however, these are going... in fact I'm getting a new one made in a while and only one, because at the moment I have two, one either side of entrance and to be fair I don't need two. However ... they are also causing some confusion with my parents B&B sign, because my sign is the first thing guests see as it's closer and so they drive past thinking they are in the wrong place! (I work from home) So I'm going smaller and perhaps placing it under the B&B sign, I'm not sure yet but if you happen to drive past and see them gone in the next week and think 'oh god she's closed up' .... no I haven't I'm just having it re-done! I'm still here!!!
Back to business, I'm setting up the loom again. I have a small narrow warp this time in a Linen yarn to tie on. I love linen, it's a lovely yarn to weave with and comes in various weights. I prefer finer yarns to that of thick, chunky yarn. If I was to use a thicker yarn I'd prefer to use this in the weft rather then the warp. Warping a loom is a bit tricky and known has the hard bit as you have to make sure each warp thread is threaded perfectly, if not prepare for all hell to break loose when, if like me you happen to skip a heddle or snap an end. These things happen, but the joy of it is once your set up and weaving away can be very relaxing. The joy of actually weaving and whereby creating fabric is so rewarding, regardless of weaving being a slow process! So yes I'm weaving again, I was quite busy with elves and baubles the past month or so that it's nice to get back to normal.
Referring back to my post heading I do have a string of Ideas on the go, this Sunday I'm having a go at space dyeing yarn. In fact I'm going to dye the linen warp although it's already coloured. I'm going to piece dye areas of it, leave it to dry and then undo it and tie/thread up onto the loom. The weft threads will be as normal. I have dip dyed hanks before for use as weft yarn and these resulted in exciting effects. I enjoy dyeing yarn/fabric, I've dyed all sorts of yarn/fabric even right down to feathers. I even loved mixing up colours for screen printing, I just love the joy of creating colour. The only colours I hate are Black and Gold. I prefer warmer tones like copper when it comes to metallic. I like a charcoal grey though, but black is a no go. I hate monochrome, neon and pastels to a certain degree. I love bright colours, jewel tones, sea/shades of blue tones and calm/neutral as in cream. )
As mentioned in Januarys posting I'll be introducing a new product later in the year and I'm developing on existing ones so I've plenty to be doing. If there is one thing I find really useful and a great place to source Images it's that of Pinterest. I'm on Pinterest simply just under my own name Grainne Kenny. I love visuals and it's a great site to use. You can create various boards based on whatever it is your wanting to look up and add to these. I joined sometime last year or so. Great ideas for Interior Designers or anyone really! There are a few boards that I have created that I'm using to go with my Inspiration at the moment. I love it!
Well best get back to it once I go for my daily walk with the dog. I'm still experiencing problems with uploading images to blogger. It's dreadfully annoying as I don't know why this is. So much that I started thinking about moving my blog to Wordpress so that I can then link this to the new website ... when I start that. Will see whether I decide to close this or not.
Anyway do check Facebook at Grainne Kenny Design or Twitter at grainnek11 for all updates and Images of my work until my next post in March.
Friday, 16 January 2015
Happy New Year -2015
Happy New Year!!
So it's a new year, that means a new start, new work, new beginnings, new memories and so on.
To review 2014, (well let's just say it was way better then the previous year!) minus a little break from January until April. It was a good year in particular the summer and Christmas was good in terms of sales. I hate January, not many people like it either but it's a good time to develop and experiment on ideas for spring/summer collections not to mention that I'm still fairly focused on Christmas. My baubles went down well during the festive season (as did the elves!) and since time is not rushed and quiet now I'm making more for Christmas 2015 and then I'll pack all away until August again when I usually start thinking about getting pieces ready for Christmas. Once the Opera festival in Wexford finishes in October you usually start thinking on this next. But that's all ages away yet! So back to now, as mentioned in a previous post weaving is my main specialist area I shall be looking at developing products I already produce. I've been doing quite a bit of research and gathering new inspiration, fresh ideas is what I like to call it. I'll still continue the small framed seashore/landscape/sunset mixed media textile pieces that are very popular and Lampshades with the woven trimmings that are also best sellers for me. However, I'm going to be mixing it up a bit. Some time ago I had also mentioned print. Print will creep in this Spring and also during the summer mixed with weaving. You'll have to wait and see what I have planned there! The Seashore theme will be a recurring theme and floral will make a debut for S/S, while A/W will be similar but more warmer colours. Pinks, turquoise/sea/cobalt blues, the saying blue and green should never be seen....well I think blue and green (some!) are nice together and green is on my list too, orange, neutral colours such as grey and cream and perhaps a hint of charcoal, a hint of a metallic tone and an earthy colour. Seems like a lot hey? But you'll be surprised at how when mixed and matched how well they shall go together. I don't wish to give away too much too soon but I am looking forward to a great year. A Fashion product may creep in too, but a little later in the year! I'm going to be keeping a lot of things close to my chest this year and post Images and text to the likes of my Facebook page and my blog here when I have work to show and not post about it weeks before I get round to posting about it. For example tell everyone what I'm doing and just go and do it and when it's done then post about it. In other words ... Surprise! Anyway back to product .... lampshades (as featured in House and Home magazine Nov/Dec 2014) at the moment mine are all round. I might be introducing a new shape if the Interest is there. Judging by some self research round is a more popular choice, but it might be nice to introduce a new shape and size. Will see! I'm not a fan of coolie or bell shaped though. Cushions will be back too however not to match the woven lampshades. I suppose you will have to keep an eye on Facebook to see what developments and new designs I come up with. I know I'm pretty excited with my work this year and I hope you will be too!! G :) xx Oh by the way on Friday 23rd of January I mark my business birthday. Happy official 3rd Birthday to me!
So it's a new year, that means a new start, new work, new beginnings, new memories and so on.
To review 2014, (well let's just say it was way better then the previous year!) minus a little break from January until April. It was a good year in particular the summer and Christmas was good in terms of sales. I hate January, not many people like it either but it's a good time to develop and experiment on ideas for spring/summer collections not to mention that I'm still fairly focused on Christmas. My baubles went down well during the festive season (as did the elves!) and since time is not rushed and quiet now I'm making more for Christmas 2015 and then I'll pack all away until August again when I usually start thinking about getting pieces ready for Christmas. Once the Opera festival in Wexford finishes in October you usually start thinking on this next. But that's all ages away yet! So back to now, as mentioned in a previous post weaving is my main specialist area I shall be looking at developing products I already produce. I've been doing quite a bit of research and gathering new inspiration, fresh ideas is what I like to call it. I'll still continue the small framed seashore/landscape/sunset mixed media textile pieces that are very popular and Lampshades with the woven trimmings that are also best sellers for me. However, I'm going to be mixing it up a bit. Some time ago I had also mentioned print. Print will creep in this Spring and also during the summer mixed with weaving. You'll have to wait and see what I have planned there! The Seashore theme will be a recurring theme and floral will make a debut for S/S, while A/W will be similar but more warmer colours. Pinks, turquoise/sea/cobalt blues, the saying blue and green should never be seen....well I think blue and green (some!) are nice together and green is on my list too, orange, neutral colours such as grey and cream and perhaps a hint of charcoal, a hint of a metallic tone and an earthy colour. Seems like a lot hey? But you'll be surprised at how when mixed and matched how well they shall go together. I don't wish to give away too much too soon but I am looking forward to a great year. A Fashion product may creep in too, but a little later in the year! I'm going to be keeping a lot of things close to my chest this year and post Images and text to the likes of my Facebook page and my blog here when I have work to show and not post about it weeks before I get round to posting about it. For example tell everyone what I'm doing and just go and do it and when it's done then post about it. In other words ... Surprise! Anyway back to product .... lampshades (as featured in House and Home magazine Nov/Dec 2014) at the moment mine are all round. I might be introducing a new shape if the Interest is there. Judging by some self research round is a more popular choice, but it might be nice to introduce a new shape and size. Will see! I'm not a fan of coolie or bell shaped though. Cushions will be back too however not to match the woven lampshades. I suppose you will have to keep an eye on Facebook to see what developments and new designs I come up with. I know I'm pretty excited with my work this year and I hope you will be too!! G :) xx Oh by the way on Friday 23rd of January I mark my business birthday. Happy official 3rd Birthday to me!
Friday, 12 December 2014
Seasons Greetings ... a look back on 2014.
I've been meaning to write a blog for a few weeks, but it's been a busy few weeks for me and will be right up until Christmas.
Can't believe Christmas is just upon us again, it only feels like a few months ago when I put the decorations away,the year has flown.
2014 has been a good year for me. I did take a short break at the start of this year/2014. I just needed some time to focus on where I was taking things ... I had a 'stuck' moment you could say, every business experiences one at some stage. To be honest, it's the best thing that ever happened and I know that sounds strange but it was. Like I said I'm in a much happier place right now. Things are rising up!
I opened up my studio to the public last summer ... well the 31st of July! I'm a member of the Wexford Craft Trail and I manage the Facebook page as well as my own. So I took that on and I try to keep everybody happy.. I hope! Somebody has to and the person asked was me. I don't mind it though. So my studio was opened due to the craft trail as I'm a trail member. I'm now closed until May 2015 again and only open by appointment. This year after the craft trail launched in April and also all the Wexford trails had their official brand launch did I start a part-time job with no other then a member of the garden trail. It's good to escape the studio the odd day as I can get very deep down into my work and overwork and it's not the wisest to be at home 24/7 five days a week and it can be lonely at times. It's good to be amongst people, mixing with people, getting to know more people and doing something that you enjoy doing but that is also a break from your craft. Don't get me wrong I love my craft but it's another income as in the design/craft world, there can be slack periods. Plus I'm being Inspired by all the beautiful colours, textures and patterns of plants and flowers which is great and Springmount is a lovely place to work. I enjoy going to work and I look forward to carrying on with whatever project be it on the loom or working on at the table in my studio when I'm not at the other. Can I just add I'm still a Business and the majority of my time I am at my own work.
This year I also and still also have my work for sale in a new development known as the 'Market House Design' it's a retail gallery space on Gorey's main street. None of us have to be there daily as they have their own people to work there/manage it. It's run by Gorey Chamber and features craft by craftspeople from Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and one candle maker from Kildare. From Millinery to Woodturning to Ceramics and painting etc. Some well known names such as Paul Maloney and Linda Mc Kay amongst others have pieces available here. There are a few of us from the Gorey area also. It's a great space and originally was meant to go from May to August, then due to popularity extended into September and it's now December and I'm still stocking there. And Robert O'Connor of the Woodturning Studio with my lampshades.
Also I'm in the 2014 A/W issue of 'House and Home' Magazine again. I was also in the 2012 issue for Christmas. I have a small write up that I had with their journalist who interviewed me ages ago and there is also a feature on Christmas decorations where one of my baubles appeared in that. See Image below. And I also had another write up marking Heritage Week earlier this summer in August with the editor of the Gorey Guardian, this featured in all the Wexford People papers. See Image below. I've also been on television ..... on Irish Tv on Sky on the programme Wexford Matters Episode 15 you can log onto www.irishtv.ie and view that if you wish. So that's been all fun and great to have done.
So yes, I'm in a very cushy, happy little place right now and can look forward to what 2015 brings.
My signage I'm changing for next summer. I have since created a brand logo/sticker on anything that's boxed belonging to me in my signature blues and white. So every time or where you see this sticker people will soon after they familiar themselves with it will know it's made by me. New business cards and leaflets will be designed in early 2015 and the possibility of an online shop on the back of a new website before I re-open my studio in May. That's the plan and I shall stick to the plan!!
Weaving will dominate 2015, I'm finding myself doing so many other things as they are easily sellable and not having my whole focus on what I am qualified in. I'm more of a fine art weaver then that of scarves and rugs and things. Lampshades are still a popular product and I have a few new ideas for these. Weave will appear in the small framed pictures and I'll still carry on the mixed media but less of it and more weave instead of the other way around. Many people do love the mixed media pieces and they have sold well for me this summer/autumn so I'll continue with these. Print will creep in but will apply to weave only....more on that in 2015! Trimmings won't be just for lampshades and Christmas baubles...well I'll still be making Christmas baubles and elves throughout January so that they are ready come November/December 2015. It's a bleak month so why not use it to my best advantage. I'm not doing showcase 2015, but my eyes and my heart are set on it for 2016. It's either that or The National Crafts and Design Fair. Sales are wonderful but it's orders and continuous orders if your work continues to turn over is of key. I think you just have to be cute with what your offering, some people might agree/disagree but having visited showcase last January 2014 and I've registered my ticket already for 2015. I just like to see how stands are merchandised, pricing and speak to fellow designers/friends in the trade. It's quite funny as when I was there in January there was a woman whose work I knew from the Internet and we were chatting away. I had never met her before and she recognised me straight away and said she knew of me which was a little not scary but the fact that everyone's online and everyone knows everyone else. It is a little scary! I sure wasn't expecting that. But in another way it's good to be recognised. Funny! She was a textile artist producing eco designs on silk. But even listening to what they have to say and tips they give is nice and it seems that everyone wants to support each other and you can see that everywhere. I know I am very grateful to everyone whose helped me reach to the point I'm at now and that I continue to grow. (Slowly but surely!) :)
Wishing all my customers, friends and family a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2015.
Oh and I have a competition over on my Facebook page see Grainne Kenny Design for details.
Grainne :) xx
Ps: Having trouble uploading Images will try again later.
Can't believe Christmas is just upon us again, it only feels like a few months ago when I put the decorations away,the year has flown.
2014 has been a good year for me. I did take a short break at the start of this year/2014. I just needed some time to focus on where I was taking things ... I had a 'stuck' moment you could say, every business experiences one at some stage. To be honest, it's the best thing that ever happened and I know that sounds strange but it was. Like I said I'm in a much happier place right now. Things are rising up!
I opened up my studio to the public last summer ... well the 31st of July! I'm a member of the Wexford Craft Trail and I manage the Facebook page as well as my own. So I took that on and I try to keep everybody happy.. I hope! Somebody has to and the person asked was me. I don't mind it though. So my studio was opened due to the craft trail as I'm a trail member. I'm now closed until May 2015 again and only open by appointment. This year after the craft trail launched in April and also all the Wexford trails had their official brand launch did I start a part-time job with no other then a member of the garden trail. It's good to escape the studio the odd day as I can get very deep down into my work and overwork and it's not the wisest to be at home 24/7 five days a week and it can be lonely at times. It's good to be amongst people, mixing with people, getting to know more people and doing something that you enjoy doing but that is also a break from your craft. Don't get me wrong I love my craft but it's another income as in the design/craft world, there can be slack periods. Plus I'm being Inspired by all the beautiful colours, textures and patterns of plants and flowers which is great and Springmount is a lovely place to work. I enjoy going to work and I look forward to carrying on with whatever project be it on the loom or working on at the table in my studio when I'm not at the other. Can I just add I'm still a Business and the majority of my time I am at my own work.
This year I also and still also have my work for sale in a new development known as the 'Market House Design' it's a retail gallery space on Gorey's main street. None of us have to be there daily as they have their own people to work there/manage it. It's run by Gorey Chamber and features craft by craftspeople from Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and one candle maker from Kildare. From Millinery to Woodturning to Ceramics and painting etc. Some well known names such as Paul Maloney and Linda Mc Kay amongst others have pieces available here. There are a few of us from the Gorey area also. It's a great space and originally was meant to go from May to August, then due to popularity extended into September and it's now December and I'm still stocking there. And Robert O'Connor of the Woodturning Studio with my lampshades.
Also I'm in the 2014 A/W issue of 'House and Home' Magazine again. I was also in the 2012 issue for Christmas. I have a small write up that I had with their journalist who interviewed me ages ago and there is also a feature on Christmas decorations where one of my baubles appeared in that. See Image below. And I also had another write up marking Heritage Week earlier this summer in August with the editor of the Gorey Guardian, this featured in all the Wexford People papers. See Image below. I've also been on television ..... on Irish Tv on Sky on the programme Wexford Matters Episode 15 you can log onto www.irishtv.ie and view that if you wish. So that's been all fun and great to have done.
So yes, I'm in a very cushy, happy little place right now and can look forward to what 2015 brings.
My signage I'm changing for next summer. I have since created a brand logo/sticker on anything that's boxed belonging to me in my signature blues and white. So every time or where you see this sticker people will soon after they familiar themselves with it will know it's made by me. New business cards and leaflets will be designed in early 2015 and the possibility of an online shop on the back of a new website before I re-open my studio in May. That's the plan and I shall stick to the plan!!
Weaving will dominate 2015, I'm finding myself doing so many other things as they are easily sellable and not having my whole focus on what I am qualified in. I'm more of a fine art weaver then that of scarves and rugs and things. Lampshades are still a popular product and I have a few new ideas for these. Weave will appear in the small framed pictures and I'll still carry on the mixed media but less of it and more weave instead of the other way around. Many people do love the mixed media pieces and they have sold well for me this summer/autumn so I'll continue with these. Print will creep in but will apply to weave only....more on that in 2015! Trimmings won't be just for lampshades and Christmas baubles...well I'll still be making Christmas baubles and elves throughout January so that they are ready come November/December 2015. It's a bleak month so why not use it to my best advantage. I'm not doing showcase 2015, but my eyes and my heart are set on it for 2016. It's either that or The National Crafts and Design Fair. Sales are wonderful but it's orders and continuous orders if your work continues to turn over is of key. I think you just have to be cute with what your offering, some people might agree/disagree but having visited showcase last January 2014 and I've registered my ticket already for 2015. I just like to see how stands are merchandised, pricing and speak to fellow designers/friends in the trade. It's quite funny as when I was there in January there was a woman whose work I knew from the Internet and we were chatting away. I had never met her before and she recognised me straight away and said she knew of me which was a little not scary but the fact that everyone's online and everyone knows everyone else. It is a little scary! I sure wasn't expecting that. But in another way it's good to be recognised. Funny! She was a textile artist producing eco designs on silk. But even listening to what they have to say and tips they give is nice and it seems that everyone wants to support each other and you can see that everywhere. I know I am very grateful to everyone whose helped me reach to the point I'm at now and that I continue to grow. (Slowly but surely!) :)
Wishing all my customers, friends and family a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2015.
Oh and I have a competition over on my Facebook page see Grainne Kenny Design for details.
Grainne :) xx
Ps: Having trouble uploading Images will try again later.
Monday, 8 September 2014
September news.
I always get stuck on what to call my posts, so I'm just sticking with well .... recent happenings yet again and what's happening this September.
About a little over two weeks ago I was featured in the local paper (Wexford People Newspapers - for Gorey, Enniscorthy, Wexford and New Ross)The article focused on 'Heritage week' that was from August 23rd - 31st. As Weaving is a heritage craft, I was Interviewed about my past in Weaving and how I got into it. So that was Interesting.
Back in April (not May as I mentioned over on Facebook)we had a man called Neil Elworthy, who came to visit each of the members on the Wexford Craft Trail. He spent a good bit of time in Wexford Interviewing each of us for a programme called 'Wexford Matters' that broadcasts on Irish TV on Sky. Being in front of a film camera is a bit daunting at first when your not used to it, but I felt it went well.
In the meantime everyone except two of us, have been on the telly and you can watch back episodes on the Irish TV Website. However, I have to re-peat mine due to a small technical issue, :( so I have that to film again in a little over a week. To be honest, in a way I'm glad which I know sounds strange, but when I had finished the last time I remembered things I wished I had mentioned so I'll be able to do so this time round, hopefully. It's not that easy when your put on the spot.
Then on top of that, I've been recently invited to appear in something else which you'll find out about later next month.
Not to mention that Christmas is in a couple of weeks ... seriously the year goes too quick!!
So it's been an Interesting time, it's also my birthday later this week. :)
Anyhow ... I'm busily continuing on with some new design ideas for lampshades and other work at the moment. As mentioned before I am veering into Nature and Botanical designs, I still love the seashore and that will always be there but I think a change or something fresh is good now and again too. I'll still carry on the Sea Theme but I'm just taking a break and shall come back to it. So I'm trying new things out and developing new techniques and ideas as I go. Today, I came across my research notebook from my Masters and there are a few pieces of Information and Images in that, that have sparked ideas.
Check Facebook and my Website for updates/Photos between now and Christmas.
So my focus at the moment is on Christmas and the work I'm developing now is for then and into Spring 2015.
Anyway I better get this room sorted out before next week and I'll post again soon.
About a little over two weeks ago I was featured in the local paper (Wexford People Newspapers - for Gorey, Enniscorthy, Wexford and New Ross)The article focused on 'Heritage week' that was from August 23rd - 31st. As Weaving is a heritage craft, I was Interviewed about my past in Weaving and how I got into it. So that was Interesting.
Back in April (not May as I mentioned over on Facebook)we had a man called Neil Elworthy, who came to visit each of the members on the Wexford Craft Trail. He spent a good bit of time in Wexford Interviewing each of us for a programme called 'Wexford Matters' that broadcasts on Irish TV on Sky. Being in front of a film camera is a bit daunting at first when your not used to it, but I felt it went well.
In the meantime everyone except two of us, have been on the telly and you can watch back episodes on the Irish TV Website. However, I have to re-peat mine due to a small technical issue, :( so I have that to film again in a little over a week. To be honest, in a way I'm glad which I know sounds strange, but when I had finished the last time I remembered things I wished I had mentioned so I'll be able to do so this time round, hopefully. It's not that easy when your put on the spot.
Then on top of that, I've been recently invited to appear in something else which you'll find out about later next month.
Not to mention that Christmas is in a couple of weeks ... seriously the year goes too quick!!
So it's been an Interesting time, it's also my birthday later this week. :)
Anyhow ... I'm busily continuing on with some new design ideas for lampshades and other work at the moment. As mentioned before I am veering into Nature and Botanical designs, I still love the seashore and that will always be there but I think a change or something fresh is good now and again too. I'll still carry on the Sea Theme but I'm just taking a break and shall come back to it. So I'm trying new things out and developing new techniques and ideas as I go. Today, I came across my research notebook from my Masters and there are a few pieces of Information and Images in that, that have sparked ideas.
Check Facebook and my Website for updates/Photos between now and Christmas.
So my focus at the moment is on Christmas and the work I'm developing now is for then and into Spring 2015.
Anyway I better get this room sorted out before next week and I'll post again soon.
Sunday, 17 August 2014
Recent Happenings.
It's been a glorious 2014 summer, not over yet mind you.... although it is practically Autumn!
So just a quick catch up on what's been happening.
I have work on display from Lampshades, Cushions, Tea Cosies and wall pieces, since the 16th of May at the newly opened 'Market House Design' gallery in Gorey, Co. Wexford. I am among sixteen other makers from places such as Wexford, Kilkenny, Kildare and Waterford, as well as among three other Wexford Craft Trail members in this too. The original plan was for it to close on the 16th August but it has been extended until mid September, which is great news for everyone. So yes I'm happy with how it's going. It's a great asset to the town and gives artists/craftspeople a space to show and sell their product. When a piece is sold it is replaced so the work is changing around the whole time which is good.
As well as my own work, I also work outside my studio and I'm very much enjoying that also. I get to be creative there too so it creates a nice balance. So between all that I've been kept busy. From walks on the beach, coffee with friends and enjoying the warm weather which has now slightly dampened a bit I can't really complain.
Recently, I had an Interview about my work and I, focusing on Weaving and that shall be in the local paper, I think next Tuesday or the following week?
I can't wait to see it and read it myself. I was asked just under three weeks ago, it will be great exposure, it's not every day opportunities like these come along so it's all good. I'm very honoured to have been asked, it was a nice surprise. So that's to come out I think next week?
I've also been offered a solo exhibition later this Autumn/Winter so I've a lot to get down to!!! Where and when I'll make known on my website and Facebook/Twitter accounts a short time beforehand. But things are beginning to look up for me so yay! :)
Lately, I've enjoyed mixing with fellow artistic friends and been meeting up with them and catching up and discussing our own work and who knows there may be a collaboration or two to follow at some point.
So there are a good few things happening and going to be happening so life is good! :)
Studio is still open and will remain open until the 27th of September and then back to appointments for the winter until May 2015 next year. However, a few things are happening between September and December 2014 ... see website for any up-coming details.
Shall post again soon.
Grainne x
So just a quick catch up on what's been happening.
I have work on display from Lampshades, Cushions, Tea Cosies and wall pieces, since the 16th of May at the newly opened 'Market House Design' gallery in Gorey, Co. Wexford. I am among sixteen other makers from places such as Wexford, Kilkenny, Kildare and Waterford, as well as among three other Wexford Craft Trail members in this too. The original plan was for it to close on the 16th August but it has been extended until mid September, which is great news for everyone. So yes I'm happy with how it's going. It's a great asset to the town and gives artists/craftspeople a space to show and sell their product. When a piece is sold it is replaced so the work is changing around the whole time which is good.
As well as my own work, I also work outside my studio and I'm very much enjoying that also. I get to be creative there too so it creates a nice balance. So between all that I've been kept busy. From walks on the beach, coffee with friends and enjoying the warm weather which has now slightly dampened a bit I can't really complain.
Recently, I had an Interview about my work and I, focusing on Weaving and that shall be in the local paper, I think next Tuesday or the following week?
I can't wait to see it and read it myself. I was asked just under three weeks ago, it will be great exposure, it's not every day opportunities like these come along so it's all good. I'm very honoured to have been asked, it was a nice surprise. So that's to come out I think next week?
I've also been offered a solo exhibition later this Autumn/Winter so I've a lot to get down to!!! Where and when I'll make known on my website and Facebook/Twitter accounts a short time beforehand. But things are beginning to look up for me so yay! :)
Lately, I've enjoyed mixing with fellow artistic friends and been meeting up with them and catching up and discussing our own work and who knows there may be a collaboration or two to follow at some point.
So there are a good few things happening and going to be happening so life is good! :)
Studio is still open and will remain open until the 27th of September and then back to appointments for the winter until May 2015 next year. However, a few things are happening between September and December 2014 ... see website for any up-coming details.
Shall post again soon.
Grainne x
Sunday, 13 April 2014
Whats going on?
So onto what's happening with me at the moment, well to start with during the past few month's I've been noticeably some what quiet. To be honest I've been posting mainly on twitter to that of facebook. I also manage and have been busy for the past few weeks/months posting to another page as I'm belong to a craft group. I was asked by a neighbour the other week, I see you have painted over your signs, no I'm afraid not it's in fact a blank cover over the text because I have been closed since before Christmas.
It's like this there's nobody around at the moment since Christmas anyway, it's a quiet time of the year (January/Feb/March) and many will tell you the exact same.
So what have I been doing then?
I spent the bulk of January doing mainly research, experimented. I'm also looking for of a job at the moment and have been searching for the past12 months to be honest, just to help out financially as there are times during the year and many will know this, that it can be quiet plus people aren't spending once they used to and you can't sit back and depend on sales , what I mean is there might be a gap between selling a piece a work until the next time that I do and really I need to be doing it weekly or at least have a decent month in order to I suppose be worthwhile would be the word there. Its like this you can make away to your hearts content but remember, it's all about making money! And it would be good for me to me too.
I don't sell to shops not that I don't want to believe me I would, but it's finding the right ones really.
I did have one shop in the west of Ireland, in Galway in fact about two years ago this month actually, who ordered a few tea cosies from me but the owner has to make a profit too so in order to do so I had to sell my cosies for a lot less then what I would sell them for normally and she had them for sale at a way higher price! And to be honest the amount of time that I put in to making them as each one is hand sewn despite the overall machine sewing it together, it didn't pay me. Even framing for me costs money, I've began looking at alternative ways of framing to keep prices down but then I'm thinking does it not bring down the value of my work. As I had interest from Kilkenny Design again two years back, but again I was asked to come down and to re-think my costs before they would consider anything. Again, my framing costs and I have to take that into account. Now maybe at some point I'll re-look at that again but I can't come down off the pieces that they expressed an interest in at the time, so I'll have to look at smaller work or a different way of displaying my work. There has to be a compromise where both parties are happy.
I have been lucky for the past two years, I did this business scheme thing and I also got a materials grant from WLD (Wexford Local Development)not realising the money was actually meant to go towards things like furniture or a printer, for example large items... but it didn't specify on the form for what so with quite a bit of pleading, waiting and hoping I got what I requested and ended up with actual materials that I needed.
So that helped me out a lot and year one was good it was fun, year two was slightly different, however I did manage to open up my studio last well let's say August as 31st July is more or less ...I'll just say August! My work also appeared in House and Home Magazine and I was asked again last summer but I didn't say yes as at the time I needed the money for something else plus it gave someone else the opportunity instead to appear in the Christmas Issue again. But people still bring it up as to where they have heard about me which is strange yet good considering that was back in 2012. So yes, opening the studio that was strange for me as I'm kind of like a quiet mouse in my studio just working away on my own, in my own little world. To be honest, I did find it a little strange and slightly uncomfortable at first but at the same time good. I've always been protective especially of my how I create areas of my work. I mean I'll never tell exactly explain from a to z how my mixed media pieces are done. I might say what materials are used but never the technique because that's my own, nobody is doing the same and I don't mean to sound selfish but I don't want anyone to copy it. It's what makes my work unique and every artist has a secret and that is mine. I stumbled on this technique through weeks of experimentation back in 2003 and it's stuck with me ever since even though I later moved into Weaving but I still do both.
Anyway, lets get back on track. So yes I closed just before Christmas 2013 and I have yet to re-open. The summer season is almost upon us now, but at the moment I am trying to sort out a few important things (personal stuff) so when I get all that fixed up then I'll be back on track hopefully. I'm looking at mid May for the moment.
For the past 18 months I have been part of a group, a craft group and we launched a trail less then two weeks ago.
I am member of the new 'Wexford Craft Trail' and we launched at Greenacres in Wexford town on the 3rd April just gone. There are 19 members in total. To find out more and to view photos from the launch please see http://www.facebook.com/WexfordCraftTrailNetwork
So that's really all at the moment, do see some images posted on facebook, as since last night I have edited this blog and had trouble uploading. There was areas in the blog that I felt needed cutting out, I got a bit carried away! The work is on view from April 3rd - May 26th 2014 at Greenacres. So if your down in Wexford do pop in and take a look. It's a very nice exhibition if I may say so myself.
Ideally I would have liked my work to be grouped together for the launch, as the three items were part if a set a matching lampshade, cushion and picture in two different colour ways, but that didn't happen but I was happy to have got the plinths I requested and it does look well. Oh and do take a look at the photos from the launch too on Facebook.
Grainne.
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