She says about her work, “Creating something or painting or taking photographs has always been part of me and over the years I have experimented with a few different styles and techniques. I think I can say that for the moment I have found my ‘niche’ with photography and mixed media. I especially like the term ‘mixed media’ as it can be anything you want it to be as long as you use a few ingredients together.”
I love it too! And I think you do a beautiful job Iris.
In case you haven’t heard, I am holding a giveaway at my Facebook Fan Page for these lovely Green Onyx Copper earrings!
The winner will be drawn once I reach 100 fans. I am currently at 88 and I need your help. If you are already a fan, thank you sincerely, you are automatically entered to win. If you know someone who might also appreciate my work please send this along to them so that they too may be entered to win a pair of free earrings!
Sooo, it has been a while since my last post. Last Monday, August 31, the hubby turned the big 3 0 and decided to take the whole week off to celebrate. He’s been home for 9 days and we were in and out of the house the whole time. Only yesterday did we really have absolutely nothing to do, but the whole week was great!
One of the nicest things we enjoyed this week was the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. There is so much to see here I don’t even know where to start.
The place is massive and we spent a good 4 hours walking around trying to see everything on offer. There’s a Sensory Garden, Fern House, Waterlily House, Cactus and Succulent House (one of my favs), Rose Garden, Woodland Garden, Orchid House, Great Palm House (my absolute fav! it was like a rainforest in there – hot, wet, sticky and gorgeous), a Rockery, Grass Garden, Herb Garden, Organic Fruit and Vegetable Garden, Chinese Plants, Native Plants and every type of tree you can think of. Plus SO much more! They also have many art installations scattered around which were all very interesting. AND to top it all off a building devoted to the great Charles Darwin – how cool is that?!
One of my favourites, though I think it is intended for children, was the great Sunflower Maze.
After walking around for a very long time we were knackered and luckily they also have a very nice cafe on site. They even had some lovely vegetarian options, I got the vegetarian quiche and fresh salad and it was soooooooo good! I’m pretty sure they use all their own organic veggies in their cafe which just makes it that more special.
It is entirely free to go so if you ever get a chance to visit I highly, highly recommend it.
How lucky am I to actually snag a treasury for this Thursday post?
All these lovely things are from the talented Irish folks of the Crafty Ireland Team. Clicking the photo will take you to the treasury if you’d like to show it some love. While it is still active, of course.
I have been working on these for the past few weeks. I really love the look of them. My favourite pieces of jewelry are always those I can play with. I want to touch them and feel them. I love texture and tactile qualities in everything.
I really do love them, but I’d also love to hear what others think of them. Let me know in a comment.
If you’d love to touch them yourself, they can be found here.
Pardon my absence. We had a long bank holiday weekend here and it has been simply gorgeous. Warm temps, lots of sun, bit of a sunburn, sun tea, some bbq’in, the works.
Anywho, it’s back to business as usual today.
I’ve been really busy working on my shops. I recently finished retaking ALL of my photos. That was a lot of work! Actually, I still have a few to do, my bottles, but I’m waiting on some props I ordered before I can redo those.
I have several new pieces listed also, so have a look if you are so inclined.
Gosh it’s so beautiful out. I keep getting distracted. It’s so hard to stay focused on computer work when it’s so damn lovely outside.
Hope anyone reading is having an equally beautiful day.
Grown in Ireland Authentic Irish Springtime Wildflower Seeds by LoveLambie
Last night while googling “handmade jewellery” in Ireland I came across this truly talented artist based in Cork, Ireland. Her name is Alicia Mannix and she is a metal artist, but in her 10 year career has worked with a variety of materials such as silver, glass, copper, wood and steel.
Her newest silver collection is what caught my eye. Named “Botanicals”, it captures the similarities between natures ephimerial beauty and the human form.
image property of Alicia Mannix
She is registered with the Crafts Council of Ireland, but from what I can tell does not have an online shop. Her prices range from €26 – €250 and she can be contacted through email: info@alicia.ie or through her beautiful website: www.alicia.ie
Artist statement
I want my jewellery to be treasured as a handmade item, knowing that each piece has been created uniquely with a lot of care and attention. I want the person the piece adorns to feel the positive energy that has been put into its creation.
The location alone is inviting. But, what got me really interested was this…
At Blanchville House you are at the centre of Ireland’s ‘Craft Trail’ with a wealth of high quality handmade Irish Crafts available at numerous outlets including the famous Kilkenny Design Centre.
Renowned internationally for the quality of the craft produced in Kilkenny, the Kilkenny Craft Trail is the perfect way to explore the best of Kilkenny craft.
The Trail features 9 retail studios and workshops in Kilkenny, and includes jewellers, potters, leather & wood workers, glass blowing as well as candle makers.
I think I’ll stay at the Manor House Bed and Breakfast and spend some time in the Drawing Room, “which still retains it’s original wallpaper, and is the perfect room to relax in front of a blazing fire, browse through a selection of books and magazines or, if you prefer, simply sit back and savour the restful ambiance of the house”.
Oh! and I can’t leave without attending the ’Freeing the Creative Spirit’ workshop! “Let go of restrictions, follow your heart & express your own truths through paint and colour”.
Yes. Yes, that sounds like a wonderful way to spend a weekend. Sign me up!
Miss Dish is an online boutique owned and operated by Natalie Mayerhofer, an Aussie girl residing in Dublin. She specializes in handmade jewellery, handbags and accessories. She also offers custom made jewellery.
Her pieces are just darling! (I’m obsessed with Lucite at the moment.)
Miss Dish can also be found on Dawanda. Her prices are excellent and she’s currently having a summer sale!
![[ image property of Alicia Mannix ]](http://balancedcrafts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/alicia-mannix.png "alicia-mannix")
