Perfect Destination for a Creative Weekend in Ireland

     It really is inspiring to go away for a weekend, learn a new skill, meet like-minded people and in this situation I just loved that it was taking place in the beautiful part of rural Ireland at Ennis Creative Arts Centre in Tubber.

     What do you do to nurture your creative side? I'm sure many of you have seen at least one of those lists titled (x number) Ways To Stay Creative. No doubt they are good and full of great advice but often we soon forget about them. Here is my ideal top 5 ways to stay creative and I almost managed  to tick them all off last weekend.

• Spend some time in nature,
• Learn new skill,
• Collaborate,
• Challenge myself,
• Turn off distractions.

      A few days ago I came back from wonderful Precious Metal Clay workshop with Debbie Carlton and I'm delighted with what I learned. The material consists of microscopic particles of pure silver powder mixed with a non-toxic moist binder which burns off during firing leaving objects containing .999 pure silver - aka fine silver. PMC can be shaped just like any soft clay, by hand, texture sheets or using molds.

Various pieces I made during the workshop.

     I chose this workshop because precious metal clay can be easily combined with polymer clay and Debbie showed us really great samples. I haven't decided exactly how I will include PMC in my creative process but I'm sure I will be using it again. I particularly like the fact that tools used are almost the same for both mediums.

     But workshop is only part of this creative weekend. Important part  add participants who come to the workshop. It's great to meet like-minded people, exchange ideas and build friendships. At the late afternoon when workshop is over one of the must destinations every time is GalleryCafe in  Gort. Pure essence of creativity - gorgeous interior and heavenly food!

     To complete the package you will find wonderful b&b only a short distance away from centre.  Perfect for an early morning walk into the beautiful countryside.

Lunch break at Ennis Creative Arts Centre.

     Ennis Creative Arts Centre in Tubber is located almost on border between Co. Clare and Co Galway. It is wonderful venue offering variety of courses starting from decoupage, sewing, jewellery making, felting and much more. I'm almost sure wonderful owner and hostess Shirley Bredin has some new ideas and is always expanding. Maybe in future there will be painting classes or creative writing workshop. 

     I was thrilled to participate at Polymer Clay workshop with Ronna Sarvas Weltman at Ennis Creative Arts Centre in Summer 2013. Click HERE to find out more.

    Stay creative!

All the best,
Liga x

RDS National Craft & Design Fair 2014 in Dublin



National Craft and Design Fair in the RDS, Dublin, Ireland 3rd Dec - 7th Dec 2014.

     The days are getting colder and countdown has begun for the RDS National Crafts & Design Fair here at Valg Studio. For anyone interested to know a little bit more about the fair here is a lovely introduction I found on National Craft & Design Fair website. All the information you need about the fair is available online, including a free gift guide featuring blue flower rings and knit inspired jewellery range by Valg Studio.

     "Whether you are a confirmed shopaholic or completely phobic about shopping, the annual National Crafts & Design Fair, is just the place for you. For those who love shopping it’s the chance to browse and enjoy the unique work of more than 500 designers, artists, and craftspeople who will be taking part in the country’s largest celebration of crafts. But if shopping just isn’t your thing, think of it as a heaven sent opportunity to buy all your Christmas gifts in a single shopping session!"

 



Click HERE and browse this beautiful RDS National Craft and Design Gift Guide online.

 

National Craft and Design Fair, image courtesy SidewalkSafari.

      Our stand B16 will be located on the balcony of the main hall. Stop by and see our floral and knit inspired jewellery range, you will find some old favourites, best sellers and of course new stock. We will be showing some new brooches and pendants! Every piece comes gift boxed and ready for gift giving. 

     "Many of Ireland’s most respected craftspeople will be there, showing and selling top quality goods. The range is dazzling – everything from chocolates to high fashion, and because the goods are handmade by craftspeople, they have the added distinction of each one being unique."

Enjoy the pre holiday season and maybe we will meet at the Fair!

Take care,
Liga