Feb 14, 2008 - Courses for 2008
I am happy to announce some upcoming courses for this year
The courses will be held over 2 days. The format of the courses will be a morning session followed by lunch and afternoon session taking you through the theory of basketmaking as well as useful tips on all aspects of the craft. I like to work with small groups so that I can give individual attention to each student to help you get the most out of the course. Students can expect to make 2-3 completed baskets to take home upon completion of the course.
The first series of courses will be held in the Mill in Belmont, Co. Offaly
www.belmontmill.com14th-15th March (booked out)
18th-19th April (booked out)
The second series of courses will be held in Holycross, Co. Tipperary in conjunction with Stonemad
www.stonemad.iefri 11th - sat 12th July (spaces available)
thu 31st - fri 1st August (spaces available)
I will be publishing more information on my courses in the coming weeks as well as announcing more dates so check back soon or feel free to
contact me for more information.
Dec 1, 2007 - Christmas Fairs
I am currently very busy getting ready for the christmas fairs.
I have a good stock of Log and Turf baskets made and also have been experimenting with different size hand baskets and trugs. I have also been working on a new design for a crib.
I will be demonstrating my work and displaying my wares:
3rd December - OACA christmas Fair in The County Arms Hotel, Birr
11th December - OACA christmas Fair in The Bridge House, Tullamore
16th December - Roscrea christmas Fair in Grants Hotel, Roscrea
Oct 22, 2007 - Autumn Harvest
Last week I decided to pick some of the fruit in my garden in time for halloween. Its great this time of the year with fresh apples nuts and plums in abundance.
This year my pear trees did particulary well, as you can see from this picture. I think it may be due to their proximity to my beehives and all the work that the honey bees have been doing since the spring.
I find that a mid sized potato crandy style basket with the side handles is very good for fruit as it is a handy size and the shallow base helps the apples not to get bruised so much.
Oct 7, 2007 - Weekend In The Woods
On the Weekend of 6th/7th of October I was invited by Bob Wilson of
CELT to give a course in Bealkelly Wood near Scarrif in Co. Clare.
They have a wonderful project there with one of their aims being "Keeping alive Traditional Countryside Skills and Crafts
through bringing together local and national experts to provide training and education for all levels."
I really enjoyed my weekend there, and was glad to see so many people dedicated to sustainable forestry, environmental protection and raising awareness and appreciation of our natural resources.
Mar 19, 2007 - Cat among the Willows
Last week I observed the family cat, Justin, nibbling on some willow I had harvested and it reminded me that I've seen him in the past down in the sally gardens chewing on the shoots.
After doing some
research I descovered that the active ingredient in the willow is that same as that in Aspirin (salicylic acid) and it has been used for centuries by native peoples as a herbal remedy and painkiller. I also discovered that Aspirin is
not recommended for cats.
I'm not sure how were going to stop his bad habit, as there's a lot of willow in my workshop and growing in the garden, but I reckon he will be ok! It doesnt seem to have any adverse affect on Justin, although he has a pretty eccentric personality... My daughter calls him the little druggie ;)
Feb 25, 2007 - Braided Willow Twists
At the moment I am participating in the "Crafts Today Cross Border Program". This initiative is designed to bring together various artists and craft workers from both sides of the border to exchange ideas and skills and to promote our products to a wider market.
During one of these sessions I met a lady named Louise McKeon who was smitten with my Willow Rattles. I showed her how they were made and she in turn told me of her experiments with willow structures which is her specialised skill. So today I made my first attempt at the basis of plaited willow structures, a braided willow twist. Louise assures me that as the willow take root the different varieties used in the simple plait will merge together to become one blended trunk.
It should be interesting to see how it evolves over time. I will keep this site updated as it progresses. Thanks Louise.
Jan 28, 2007 - New Blog
Welcome to my new blog. I will use this page as my online diary, to share information about my new products and projects. I will also post pictures and examples of my work here. i hope you enjoy it - Padraig
