NOTICEBOARD — ISSUE 25 —– 21st October 2008

Sorry for the long delay since Noticeboard was sent last.

NORA DUNNE GALLERY
The main news is that Nora Dunne Gallery is having an open weekend for all artists and crafts people on November 14th, 15th and 16th. Open times are 11am – 5pm.

All interested in displaying their work, having exhibitions or teaching in our 3 teaching rooms are welcome to see the building.
Our official date of opening has not been set.

JEWELLERY SUPPLIERS
I have made a list of suppliers on the blog www.irishcraftupdate.com that I would recommend. If there are any more you would like to pass on to others please feel free to email me at Karen.noticebaord@gmail.com

If you would like to be part of a list of suppliers please email me your details and I can add you immediately.

CHRISTMAS FAIRS
I have a list of fairs on the blog and I would recommend that you add all the fairs that you are selling at. Coming closer to Christmas the amount of people visiting the site doubles and I can safely say it is people looking for fairs to visit since I get phone calls about wheel chair access, whether the fair is on because it is such bad weather and if they have the lady that was there last year with the ceramic bowls in the blue colour will be there this year because a plate was broken by their son!!!
I hear it all….but I would definitely say the site is used to find fairs for customers, so mention what you are selling and I can add you to the site. Times of the fair are always good too, and a little direction or address would be great.

SHOWCASE – One Day Stands
This year with Showcase they are allowing people have a stand for a day. You can apply through the Craft Council of Ireland Website www.ccoi.ie or through
John Hick, Showcase Ireland 01 295 8181 john.hick@expo-events.com

Showcase is in January 2009
For more information regarding Showcase follow this link http://www.ccoi.ie/content/view/224/227/

VISUAL ARTISTS IRELAND
To subscribe to the free VAI e-bulletin check out their site http://www.visualartists.ie/
The updates are twice weekly about all exhibitions and opportunities for visual art.

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This is short and sweet.

The blog www.irishcraftupdate.com is updated on a daily basis and has all the latest in fairs, exhibitions, suppliers, services and tips and recommendations for artists and crafts people.

KarenHarper

086 8885321

NOTICEBOARD — ISSUE 24 — 3 AUGUST 08

Welcome to issue 24, seems a lifetime since I started Noticeboard, althought it is only 14 months ago.
In that time I have an ongoing blog www.irishcraftupdate.com/blog, set up the Irish Craft Association*, have monthly meetings called Feedback*for artists and crafts people to meet and get together to network and move forward in their businesses.

On 13th December 07 I opened up the Expose Yourself Gallery, displaying art and photography from emerging and up and coming artists that were willing to get out there and sell their work!

On the 19th of January I took on the Craft Rooms* in Blackrock for people to use to teach from and on the 31st of January I opened the Gallery craft shop in DunLaoire.

It has been a busy 14 months!

The Gallery closed as did the craft shop due to rent negotiations going badly and so I took the bull by the horns and contacted Ben Dunne – knowing he was interested in looking after the ‘young artists’ .
After a meeting I am now running the Nora Dunne Gallery* in Terenure!
What a magnificent building – 5000sq feet, with 3 teaching rooms* above it! (I had to divide it as the space was too big for any class to be comfortable in.)
The Gallery will still be looking after the emerging artists, with many well known names thrown in.
I am also doing the interior design of the Gallery and have input on all decisions made to make this the Gallery to be in.

Coming from a non-business mind I am so practical about making it spacious but also using the huge building to its capacity. Great 4 meter high ceiling in the main Gallery, with the most modern gallery lighting system.

We have an exhibition space* that a person can rent out that is 11 x 9 meters. It is so big we can divide it for two people to use at the same time and also cut the cost of the space.

Fantastic café (still at the drawing stage of this, should have it ready by Tuesday!) that serves organic vegetarian food, including cakes to drool over; I coxed the brothers from the Happy Pear in Greystones to look after this area for us.
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate experts!

The teaching rooms* are perfect, all having a large sink with ample lighting for big and small classes.

So when does it open I hear so many people ask??

We are aiming for late October, but Ben Dunne will make sure everything is right before we open the doors…and I have to add his builder is one in a million so I have no doubt that it will be spectacular!

This goes back to the comment I keep saying that all the experience you have in your life will be used again. I have just finished the logo and the design of the reception area. The Interior design years and the renovation years, and the CAD time and managing the Bar in town and clothes shop in London have all been great experience. All I have to do now is find the perfect staff, enough art and crafts to fill this space and keep up all the ideas I had before.

The Nora Dunne will have the same principles as I had before.
• Artists will be paid for their sold work quickly (within 14 days).
• There will be a small commission (25% on artwork) so the customer gets a good deal and will make the artwork sell quicker.
• The Artists will be involved as they will all be invited to the opening and let the media swarm all over them!
• We will have a short hanging time to let the artists be in full control of their work, as I believe that artists are all self-employed and should be not be tied down to long commitments.

The Nora Dunne Gallery will still have friendly staff that will be on hand to give advice and assistance with all queries to artists and customers. It should be like calling into a friends place and being able to have a cuppa and see fantastic art hanging for all to buy!

What can I say, an amazing opportunity, I had asked for someone to come along and give me a building and let me keep going as I had been, but this is better…..be careful what you wish for!

(Yes Ben Dunne is like people imagine him to be, open to new ideas, a business head like no other and has the ability to get things done!)

Bang…just landed on my feet! Hard work pays off.

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If you would be interested in teaching, having an exhibition, displaying your artwork or any other information about the Nora Dunne Gallery please email me at noradunnegallery@gmail.com or
call Karen Harper on 086 888 5321

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IRISH CRAFT ASSOCIATION
All members of the Irish Craft Association are asked to send through 3 pictures to represent their work, shop, or service to be added to the website. The quicker you send it the quicker you will be on the web!

Also membership will be for 2 years to give time to set us up on the web. As always any ideas are welcome as to what you would like to see next.

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FEEDBACK

Even if the sky is falling down the Feedback meeting is always on the first Thursday of each month. With so many people away at the moment we will have it in Tonic in Blackrock, Co Dublin. Saving time and energy as the turn out can only be small due to people off sunning themselves!
Feedback – 7pm – Tonic Blackrock – 7th August
Text 086 888 5321 to confirm you are coming so we will wait on you.

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GALLERIES

When the Expose Yourself Gallery closed it left Patrick Naughton and AnneLouise McDermott with some time on their hands…which was soon swallowed up as they have both set up their own Galleries!

THE BABY ELEPHANT GALLERY
Patrick Naughton is now running The Baby Elephant Gallery in DunLaoire, through Paul Malone Interior shop on the main street down from McDonalds.

D4 ART GALLERY
AnneLouise is now running the D4 Art Gallery in the D4 Hotel (formally Jurys Hotel) in Ballsbridge.
The corridor walls and reception rooms are to be filled with art work.
AnneLouise is open for submissions and you can email her 3 samples of your available work to d4artgallery@gmail.com

I would like to think the experience we all got from the Expose Yourself Gallery has spurred these galleries on. It is also great to think that artists have even more venues to display their work and get more exposure.

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SELLING ON-LINE

ARTS AND CRAFTS OF IRELAND

There is a site run by a potter, Stephen Farnan that is open to new suppliers if you fancy someone selling your work for you online.
Check out the site at www.artsandcraftsofirealand.com

If you fancy buying or selling drop an e-mail to Stephen Farnan
Arts and Crafts of Ireland
TANK Gallery
Priory Cottages
Benburb
Co Tyrone
BT71 7LA

Tel: +442837548685
E-mail: info@ artsandcraftsofirealand.com

It is the result of a colaboration between Stephen Farnan of TANK Gallery in Benburb and Daithi Conlon of WebsiteNI.
If you have any questions or queries please feel free to contact us on info@artsandcraftsofireland.com, or call us on +442837548685.

Artists wishing to feature on our website should forward a CV together with 5 good quality images of your work.

Check out : press here
For more information

BROWNIE POINTS .IE – SHOPPING SITE FOR MEN!

(A much needed idea, a site that men can pop in all the details of their loved ones and the site will advise them of what to buy, they pay for it and it arrives beautifully gift wrapped and the man looks like a hero!
Love it…)

Sheila says,”Hard as it may be to believe, guys do not like shopping! The Girls at Brownie Points know the pain of getting a gift that is not well loved to say the least!

Women love nothing more than getting a beautiful, well thought through gift that is luxuriously packaged.

Think of the impact of buying Cellulite Cream for a Girlfriend for her birthday yes it’s happened! Or AAA Membership, Electric Blanket, Camping Gear!

Brownie Points is an online gifting shop for guys who don’t like shopping, done have time to shop, or find it difficult to find the right gift!

www.browniepoints.ie
is packed with handbags, jewellery, sleepwear, skincare and accessories, guys can pick their own gift or choose to get a present recommendation from the ‘Help me Shop‘ service. Fiddly wrapping paper is a thing of the past as the gifts come in a specially designed browniepoints gift box. Delivery in Ireland is free (over 100Euro ) and a selection of handmade Irish gift cards are available.

Brownie Points have spent a lot of time on gift selection to make sure all presents are beautiful and desirable.

Forgetful guys can sign up for the reminder service and get reminded of all important occasions, and get a gift recommendation!

The guys get the brownie points the girl gets a gorgeous gift – so it’s a win win situation

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The majority of our jewellery range is from Irish designers. We currently stock Saba, The Cat & the Moon, Lula and Mo Muse but are constantly on the look out for great Irish jewellery designers to partner with us.

If you would like to become a gift partner with Brownie Points and either sell or product or service through us, just drop an email to sheila@browniepoints.ie”

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TEACHING SPACE – BLACKROCK

CRAFT ROOMS BLACKROCK
Above , This is Knit
19A Main Street
Blackrock
Co. Dublin
www.thisisknit.ie

The Craft Rooms in Blackrock are available to rent, ideal for for teaching in. There are 2 adjoining rooms with sink and toilet access.
Please contact Lisa or Jacqui for availability on Ph: 01 2108113
Email: info@thisisknit.ie

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CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

MARLAY CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
an application form for this years Marlay Craft Fair is available
If people send an email to
marlaycraftfair@hotmail.com
they will
automatically receive an application form.

This fair is highly recommended and with high standards of craft, places are well sought after and good sales are guaranteed!

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ART FAIRS

Cork Art Fair 26 – 28 Sept 08
Bookings still available
Contact Lesley Tully on Lesley@eriva.com or 01 2913010

Art Ireland 14 – 16 Nov 08
Bookings still available
Contact Lesley Tully on Lesley@eriva.com or 01 2913010

(The Expose Yourself Gallery will have a stand at this years fair…R20)

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TEACHERS REQUIRED/ CRAFT CLASSES

DERRYAUN CRAFT WORKSHOP – TEACHERS REQUIRED – Co Mayo


Derryaun Crafts Workshop has recently expanded its studio space and is currently
looking for professional, innovative teachers of art and craft to facilitate one/two day workshops.

Derryaun Crafts is set in beautiful scenery, just south of Westport, Co Mayo, Suzie Sullivan
is the proprietor and she specialises in fibre art and crafts, including dyeing, felt making, spinning, weaving, wirework and jewellery making.
Suzie runs craft courses and also sources and stocks

All the relevant materials and equipment to complement each course.

If you are interested in applying please contact
Suzie Sullivan 098 21888, email suzie@derryauncrafts.com

www.derryauncrafts.com
Check out derryauncrafts website for all year classes in every area possible – jewellery, glass bead making, spinning, dyeing, weaving, silk paper making, rag rug making, feltmaking, jewellery and beadwork …….etc etc!

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ARDMORE ART CLASSES – WATERFORD

Check outhere for more information
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Ongoing classes in all areas from watercolour / oil / printing and more. Children’s classes also available.

To read more about these classes and see timetable use link:
http://irishcraftupdate.com/blog/?p=266

CONTACT:
Sinead Conneely

The Ardmore Gallery and Studios
Ardmore, Co Waterford

Phone: 024 94863
Fax: 058 24791
Mobile: 087 8557218

Email: ardmoregallery@gmail.com
Web: www.ardmoregallery.ie

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SUPPLIERS
• JEWELLERY SUPPLIERS

Beads & Bling started life in 2005 in the spare bedroom of a house in Kilmainham and at the wet and windy Temple Bar market on Sundays. Since then we have gone from strength to strength, opening our distinctive bright pink shop in Temple Bar in Christmas 2006. We source our products directly from top-end manufacturers and this allows us to provide our customers with the widest range of products at the best prices. Our winning combination of large product range, affordable prices, friendly customer service and can-do attitude has helped us become Ireland’s largest retailer of beads and jewellery accessories.

We are passionate about beading and all aspects of jewellery. If there is anything we can do to improve our service and your customer experience, please let us know.

Beads and Bling
5 Bedford Row
Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Tel: (01)6337814
Email: beadsbling@hotmail.com
www.beadsandbling.com

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If you are new to Noticeboard I would recommend that you look up
www.irishcraftupdate.com/blog for ongoing updates of what is happening in the Craft world in Ireland.
It is easy to subscribe to get all the updates straight to your email inbox!
Use the search box to put in exactly what you want to know about and the blog site will organize to only show you relevant information.
Also any information you are looking for please contact me at Karen.noticeboard@gmail.com

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If you would like to advertise anything please send me an email to Karen.noticeboard@gmail.com
It is free advertising to over 800 artists and crafts people in Ireland
If you do not wish to receive this newsletter please reply with no thanks in the subject.

Thanks for reading
Karen

Subscribe to Noticeboard

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Issue 3 – 2. July. 07

ISSUE 3 2nd JULY 07
So Issue 3! With this great weather it feels like summer is over. Children are off school for two months, time schedules can become a little more lax, maybe even time to visit somewhere different!
This issue I have included some serious stuff, regarding selling your art online, the up and coming Winter Fair, the national crafts competition and its touring dates. Although today is the closing date for entries, it may be something to work towards for next year.
At the end I have included a couple of dates that may be of interest, and included contact numbers too, to help you get out there and sell directly to the public.

SUMMER OUTING 11TH JULY

As you all know DLRCEB craft network will be having their Summer
outing in Rainbow Ceramics in Blackrock on the 11th July. It will
be free for members and €20 for non-members that don’t want to miss out.

On the night there will be wine and nibbles, and we will be there to celebrate
their second year anniversary!

Call Lisa on 01 4948400 or email sally@dlrceb.ie to book your place

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RAINBOW CERAMICS

Last Tuesday I brought my daughter and two of her friends there as a treat.
And what a treat I had. I chose from a huge variety of pieces and settled on
a sugar bowl, the jug and teapot will follow. Next Jayne gave us an outline
of the way the paint worked and showed us how to get best results from the
brushes, pallet, paints and tools. When I was ready I ignored all that and went
head long into my masterpiece. It was a mixture of art deco, nouveau,
minimalism, abstract, and I will be giving Van Gogh a run for his gold pieces.
In the end Jayne came over with a baby wipe and fixed it. I still have to collect
my unique piece and will be hiding it from the auctioneers across the road, as I
would be highly insulted at any price he tries to put on my invaluable first piece.
All I can say is that I will be back for more. And my consolation is that there is
room for improvement.

RAINBOW CERAMICS, 61 Main St, Blackrock, Co Dublin
Call 01-2755845 Open Tues – Sat 11am – 6pm
Available for children and adult parties.
Kids Summer Camp and evening courses.

INSURANCE
A quick apology to Padraig Smith& Co. as I got their name wrong in the last issue. They are providing all your craft insurance needs. Just a quick call to them on 01 8330888 and ask for Marie Clarke or Richard McGarry. They are recommended through the Craft council of Ireland and there is 10% discount off all other insurance needs with your CCoI membership.

SHARON MURPHY –ARTS OFFICIER

April 11th 07 was when we met with Sharon Murphy through the DLRCEB Craft Network. It is great to see someone that is willing to give new ideas a chance to be awarded with such an opportunity.

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From the ARTS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
The Arts Council announced that Ms Sharon Murphy, Arts Officer for Dun
Laoghaire County Council, is the recipient of the 2007-2008 Fellowship for
Ireland – known as the Jerome Hynes Fellowship – under the UK-based Clore
Leadership programme. This initiative aims to develop the knowledge, skills
and experience of potential leaders in the arts across a wide range of
cultural activity. This Fellowship for Ireland, which was also offered last
year in conjunction with the Arts Council, was renamed by the Council in
January 2006 to honour the memory of the late Mr Jerome Hynes, former Deputy
Chair of the Arts Council and Chief Executive of Wexford Festival Opera. The
total value of the Fellowship is in the region of €71,000 (€50,000 from the
Arts Council and StgL15,000 from Clore).
Ms Murphy will take part in a year-long programme commencing in September.
The programme includes two intensive residential leadership courses;
professional development through mentoring, tuition and group learning; an
in-depth research project, supervised by a Higher Education Institute; and a
period of secondment, including experience of managing a challenging
project.
Speaking about the award, Sharon Murphy said: “The Jerome Hynes Fellowship
is an enormous opportunity for me to develop my knowledge and skills to the
benefit of my abiding commitment to public participation in the arts, and
especially to the participation of children and young people in theatre. I
feel both honoured and excited to have been selected as this year’s
recipient.”

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Wicklow County Enterprise Board invites you to a Free Business Seminar entitled:
“Heads Up – the Latest I.T. Tools for your Business”.

Date: Monday 23rd July 2007
Time: 3pm – 5pm
Venue: Marriott Druid’s Glen Hotel, Newtownmountkennedy
Cost: Free of charge

The Seminar will cover:

- Blogging – specifically how it can generate returns for/interest in your business
- Podcasting – should small & medium businesses be doing this more?
- Using Bebo/MySpace for a business advantage
- Gadgets to make your life easier in business e.g. PDAs (do they actually save you time as a business person?)
- Networking your office & backing up crucial information
- Online applications to save money for your offline business
A generous amount of time will be devoted to Questions & Answers.

The presentation will be aimed at existing businesses, as opposed to individuals at the start-up stage.

Also at this Seminar

The staff of Wicklow County Enterprise Board will launch “Tech Check” for County Wicklow. Tech Check is a national initiative, funded by the Government which offers businesses (regardless of size or type) a session with an expert I.T. consultant. This consultant reviews the technology used in your business and recommends areas for improvement. The consultation takes place at your business premises and is heavily subsidised, costing the business only E150.

How to book your place:

To reserve a place at the Seminar, you must contact Wicklow County Enterprise Board in advance. Simply either ring Tamara or Louise on 0404 67100 or email: enterprise@wicklowceb.ie and leave your name, address, email and telephone number. Attendance is free of charge. Places are limited.

For more information log on to: www.wicklowceb.ie

Máiréad deBláca – PAINTER

Mairead is a painter I first came across in the Winter Fair last year, and have since met in the DLRCEB Craft Network meetings, but there is always more to know about a person once you start looking!

Exhibition entitled ‘Views of Life – Travels in Africa just finished in the Front Lounge, in Dublin’s Parliament Street from 6th to 30th June. Which sold many paintings!
Now exhibiting in Belltable arts Centre, 69 O’Connell Street, Limerick for all of July and August.
Also participating in the Art Dublin 07 Exhibition, ‘Home, Your interpretation’ in aid of focus Ireland

For all you shoppers, Mairead will have two of her paintings displayed in BT2 window, Grafton Street for ten days, starting 18th July 07.

Talk about getting it out there.

This website is a pleasure, wonderfully simple and professionally done. Worth a look… make sure you have your speakers on!
www.deblaca.eu
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SELLING VISUAL ART ON THE WEB

Display now, pay later!

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NEW IRISH ART - website -www.newirishart.com

Joining New Irish Art is as simple a process as you could hope for, here’s how it goes.

• Step one, send an email to them using their Contact Form
• They’ll respond with an email containing instructions within 24 hours
• You then send digital images of your work to them
• These images are presented online (Work in Progress) for you to approve
• They then send you a link to update…
• Titles Medium and Dimensions for each work and
• A short biographical note
• They test, finalise and publish your gallery as www.NewIrishArt.com/YourName

** Since they started operating back in 2000, no artist has been billed for having their works presented on the New Irish Art website.

There are 174 days to Christmas!

WINTER FAIR WINTER FAIR WINTER FAIR WINTER FAIR

Winter Fair –2007
16th, (Opening night) 17th, 18th November
Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre.

Organized By:

Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown County Enterprise Board are now seeking applications for the third annual Winter Fair.
This rapidly developing retail fair is being held for the second year in the Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre located in the heart of Dalkey village surrounded by top-end shops and galleries. The fact that this established exhibition centre is on street level, directly opposite the church and its parking area greatly assists in attracting visitors to the fair.
Many successful exhibitors at last year’s event exhibited and sold Craft products. So if you need a retail opportunity for your work close to Christmas or wish to test market new designs apply for an application form today.
You can download the Winter Fair-2007 details, venue plans and application forms from the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Enterprise Board website, www.dlrceb.ie or contact Suzanne May at the details below.

Suzanne May
Killeen house
The Summit
Howth
Dublin 13
01-8391630
087-2676650
suzannemay@killeenhouse.com

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STRESS MANAGEMENT

Just in case you are having a rough day, here is a stress management
technique recommended in all the latest psychological journals.

The funny thing is that it really does work and will make you smile.

1. Picture yourself lying on your belly on a warm rock that hangs out over a
crystal clear stream.
2. Picture yourself with both your hands dangling in the cool running water.
3. Birds are sweetly singing in the cool mountain air.
4. No one knows your secret place.
5. You are in total seclusion from that hectic place called the world.
6. The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of
serenity.
7. The water is so crystal clear that you can easily make out the face of
the person you are holding underwater.

See? It really does work. You’re smiling already.

RDS NATIONAL CRAFTS COMPETITION

The RDS National Crafts Competition in its present form has been held annually since 1968 to promote Irish craft and design. Growing in stature each year, it is the major Irish crafts industry competition, allowing both professional and amateur craft designers to exhibit and promote their work.

There are 20 categories and over 40 prizes awarded in the Competition ranging from ceramics and jewellery to felting and woodwork. The prize fund is one of the largest in Europe, with a total fund in 2007 of €28,350. The competition is open to craft workers living in Ireland and Irish designers based abroad.

Entries for the 2007 Competition are now closed. The winners and commended entries will be exhibited at the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show from August 8 – 12 in the RDS Concert Hall. The Exhibition will continue for a further four days after the Horse Show concludes.

For further information, please contact:

Johanna Suhr
Arts
RDS Foundation Department
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Tel: +353 (0) 1 240 7255
Fax: +353 (0) 1 660 4014
Email: arts@rds.ie

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RDS TRAVELLING ART & CRAFTS EXHIBITIONS

An exhibition of winning entries and works of excellence from the RDS National Crafts Competition and the RDS Student Art Awards travels to a number of venues around Ireland from August to December each year in order to promote the artists and designers to a wider audience.
2007 Exhibition Dates:

National Crafts and Student Art Opening Exhibition: Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show, August 8 – 12, 2007, RDS Concert Hall
The Exhibition continues for a further four days after the Horse Show concludes. Student Art Travelling Exhibition
Castletown, Celbridge, Co. Kildare September 3 – 30, 2007
Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry, Co. Down October 10 – 30, 2007

Craft Winners Travelling Exhibition
Space CRAFT, Belfast, Co. Antrim September 6 – 29, 2007
Craft Granary, Cahir, Co. Tipperary October 9 – 30, 2007
Mullingar Arts Centre, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath November 6 – 25, 2007
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Visiting the exhibition may inspire and delight you. It would give you a clear idea of what is expected of you, and then you can tell me about it so I can pass it on!

DATES CONTACT26.8.07 – 29.8.07 The Autumn Gift Fair 01 2958181

1.11.07 – 4.11.07 The Knitting & Stitching Show
0044 208 692299

15.11.07 – 18.11.07 The Heavenly Gift Fair 01 235 1346

16.11.07 – 18.11.07 Art Ireland 01 4992244

5.12.07 – 9.12.07 National Crafts Fair 01 6702186www.rds.com for more interesting events

www.irishartfairs.com

www.artireland.com for spring collection April 08 application form

info@nationalcraftsfair.ie to enquire about a place this year

THE ONLY WAY I COULD MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOU IS TO COME TO YOUR HOUSE AND DRIVE YOU THERE MYSELF!

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That’s all for now, anyone that feels the need to share anything, (I do not need to know what you had for breakfast or what shoe size you are….but if anyone has a black pair of size 6 strappy sandals I need them for a wedding on the 14th!) please reply,

Karen Harper

Issue 2 – 18. June . 07

NOTICEBOARD ISSUE 2 18.06.07

Hello Craftspeople
This is the second issue of NOTICEBOARD. After the fantastic response from the first issue, there had to be four updates last month, so it is looking likely that NOTICEBOARD will be issued every fortnight.
This issue will cover the plans for the retail outlet that CCOI are helping people set up. Markets and Insurance. Glass bead classes. Craft and Design network last Wed night. July outing to pottery studio. Digital directory details that CCOI are setting up. And finally I have included next weeks winning lottery numbers, which only appear at the end if you read everything else!!

PORTFOLIO

Craft Council of Ireland is building a digital directory of leading designers. Application form from CCOI 056 7761804 info@ccoi.ie Closing date 28th August 07.
For further info contact Ann Dack, Project Manager 087 6490463
This would be fantastic to get into as they are promoting it nationally and internationally to buyers, sellers, gallery owners and the rest. This would be showcase on the web!

MARKETS

Many times I have been asked about which markets are better etc. I personally started in Blackrock, which has been there for a really long time. It has a good flow of people and prices for the stalls are reasonable, especially since you do not need personal insurance to start with. Not that I recommend you trade without it but I know it put me off in the beginning. It has a regular flock of people and you will see the same faces every week, how this affects your sales is up to you.
The Coco Markets are well established now, and have a great flow of people. The food will keep people coming, and despite what you think this is the busy period. Summer holidays slow down and Christmas is a quick rush for only two to three weeks, people are shopping now before the season kicks in. These markets have been run by Jackie Spillane since they started almost four years ago, and have grown from strength to strength. Full insurance is required to hold a stall at any of the markets with an indemnity of 6.4million Euro. Info on insurance is below. Jackie is available on 087 9573647

At the moment Jackie is running nine markets which I will have a list of below. Maybe it is something you could group together to have a stall at. There is always a great atmosphere at a market, plus you get to hear what the general public think of your work. The experience helps and inspires you, and when you hear anything negative you just put it down to that person’s bad taste!

MARKETS
Wed IFSC 12 – 2.30 pm € 30
Thurs Avoca-Rathcoole 11 – 3pm €40
Fri Dalkey (indoor) 10 – 4pm €40
Brittas (summer) 11 – 4pm €40
Sat Marlay Park 10 – 4pm €40
Bray (heritage) 11 – 3pm €40
Wicklow town 11 – 3pm €40
Sun Peoples Park DL 11 – 4pm €40
Drumcondra 11 – 4pm €40

JACKIE SPILLANE
This high energy woman has been a good friend of mine since we met on 20th July 03.
If you want a job done, she is the person that can do it. In the market world she has taken over, and is now running NINE markets. Jackie is also heavily involved in The Festival of World Cultures (ph 01 2719555) 25/26th July ; Dunlaoire Horse Show Aug 16th: Festival of World Food 6/7 October (will have non-food stalls).
Contact jspillane@oceanfree.net or phone 087 9573647
All events get booked up quick, so no hesitating.

INSURANCE

If you are trading or have public coming to your workshop you really should have insurance! If you have even one customer, you should have insurance.
One insurance company is IOMST, The Irish Organisation for Market and Street Traders. It is about €250 a year for 6.4million indemnity. Call 8302271
The Craft Council of Ireland also provide insurance through Padraig Smith& Co, on 01 8330888. Ask for Marie Clarke or Richard McGarry. It’s a small, personal, family run business that will look after the crafts people and all their requirements….at last! Having spoken to Ronan I am completely confident that all you need is to call them and tell them what you need. So far they have six levels of cover, working from the basic €140 which will cover your public liability. From there you can get your place of business insured and any staff, even insuring your stock and tools. Just as long as you are a Craft Council of Ireland member you can get a 10% discount on car, home and personal accident cover. ANOTHER reason to join the craft council!!! I’ll say no more; this insurance company have been looking after the craft person for three years so far and will meet all your needs. Their website is on the way and hopefully will be up and running in July. www.psmith.ie
CADENZA BEAD STUDIO
Ruzica Ruane is running glass bead making classes from 20th July to 15th August or by arrangement from her studio off Rochestown Ave. Fully insured. Four students per workshop, min two.
There are three different courses you can do, so contact Ruzica to see what suits you best.
Details of the three courses are in the next stopress. (CCOI free newsletter)
Book early to avoid disappointment.
For more information Call Ruzica on 01 2352156 studio@cadenzaglassbeads.com

CRAFT NETWORK MEETING 13.6.07

So the meeting was about pricing and it went well. If you don’t know what you’re doing wrong when it comes to pricing, go higher! At the end of the day, putting in costs for materials, rent for work space and other overheads, the hardest thing to price is your time. Then when you think about it, you can get more materials, and you can get other people to do the work for you, but the only thing you will never get back is your time. Its precious, so get paid well for it! You are also skilled at what you do and people will see its worth when you have a strong price on a piece. It makes a person stop and think why it is a high price… because you spend hours on it and put your heart and soul into making it a one of a kind, unique, original! An item having a value may not cost much; ask any parent to sell their Childs first picture!

Also the issue of the Retail Outlet was opened up……

RETAIL OUTLET
There has been an excellent response to this project. We are currently filling the application form, and the organisers have said they are looking forward to it! As you know Debbie Wilson is the project organiser and assisting her is me. The committee set up also has a huge amount of experience from running outlets to quality control. I am the lucky one that is collecting all crafts peoples details and compiling a data base for this venture. We need to show we have a great craft resource of people that are not strangers to the retail world. Already we have over 21 crafts and over 50 craftspeople ready and waiting for the outlet to begin!
I have sent you all mail about sending in your details and references so we can make a strong application to the craft council. If you haven’t done it yet…stop reading and do it immediately. If you have, then thanks for your speedy response!

JULY OUTING
Next month on the 11th July we are on an outing to Rainbow Ceramics in Blackrock… Let the inner artist come out in you. The trip is free for members or €20 for non-members.
Guaranteed to be a great laugh! More details from Sally closer to the time. If you are interested in contacting Sally about the Dunlaoire RathdownEnterpriseBoard Craft Network meetings every second Wednesday in the month, you can call her on 087 2238182 (2-5pm) or 01 2882998 or email sally@dlrceb.ie

LET’S GET ORGANISED
Do you want a write up? I am sending out a request for your business details and what you are up to, you were not dropped onto the earth last week so let people know what you do and about the wealth of experience you have, you never know where it will lead.
What I hope to do over the next year or so is to tell you about other people that are around you.

We all didn’t get to where we are now, without a huge amount of life experience! What I want is, for you to tell us where you started, what you do, where you are going, where you sell from or are going to exhibit at. It is all relevant, because there is always someone out there wondering or needing something. This is a large broadcast of networking, without the awkward business card swapping with people you don’t need….at the moment.

CIARA COUGHLAN
BRIDAL, AND EVENING WEAR DESIGNER
Ciara Coughlan is returning to work after her recent illness. A member of the craft network, she is an accomplished Bridal and evening wear designer. She has previously been named ‘Bridal designer of the Year’ and ‘New Direction Designer of the Year’.
All designs are made to measure and Ciara can individualize each garment further with her skills of hand embroidery, silk painting, beading, and hand crafted floral adornments.
Her work has featured many times on Ireland AM and The Afternoon Show. Also designs have appeared in national and local press and in leading Bridal and women’s magazines.
As Ciara is based at home, she is able to offer private, individual fittings and consultations to each client. Even offering after work appointments, a service very popular with already stressed brides.
Her creations hold a reputation for quality in materials and craftsmanship. Any piece from Ciara becomes a timeless addition to your wardrobe. Prices start from only €350 for eveningwear and €1000 for bridal wear.
Please contact Ciara Coughlan and ‘Illusions Designs’ if you or your friends have a wedding or social occasion coming up.
Call Ciara on 01 2942487 086 3870989 or email illusionsdesigns@eircom.net
www.illusionsdesigns.com

CRAFTY DAY OUT

Sharon Burrell is having a Card and Scrapbook making day on the 28th July 07 in Shankill
There will be three classes in one day, all materials supplied. (01)-2827592 or 086 3674274 also book through www.craftandcards.ie More days out and classes coming up.
Sharon has a card and craft supply outlet, and has probably the best service I have come across to-date. I manoeuvred around her website very easily, after getting an email to say she was interested in the CCOI retail opportunity, and ended up purchasing a fantastic carry case for all my silver findings. It is like a box I already have which is air tight for silver, and is child proof – a must in my house! So, I saw this tote bag, filled my form in, paid with pay-pay and before pay-pal emailed me my confirmation, my tote bag was at my doorstep, with a very nice delivery woman….Sharon herself!
I cannot guarantee that you will receive the same service but I am still laughing at how great it was to get it so quick! Website worth a look www.craftsandcards.ie the tote bag is excellent, five storage boxes with 70 compartments. Lots of pockets for tools etc., easy carry shoulder bag. Great for teaching away from workshop.

JUST RELAX
Just a quick mention. After a long day trading, or hours of sewing,beading,painting or computer work writing a newsletter…what would be more fantastic then someone coming to your home to give you a facial. I could recommend Laura, and the facial that includes shoulder, arm and hand massage! It was just fantastic! This facial only costs €45 if you mention you saw it advertised here. Laura does a variety of treatments and can be contacted on 085 7802975

So that’s issue 2.
Plenty more where that came from. I will keep you updated with the CCOI retail opportunity progress, and please let me know of any others you feel could help or participate. Any millionaires out there that feel like investing a couple of Euro to give us a building, Debbie Wilson has everything else ready to go…..

IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Call the Craft Council on 056 7761804 www.ccoi.ie
DLRC Enterprise board 01 4948400

And the winning numbers are .. you missed something, sorry please try again

Issue 1 – 18.May.07

NOTICEBOARD ISSUE 1 18.6.07

HELLO CRAFT PEOPLE
I have taken it upon myself to start a newsletter, which I hope to send out monthly and if all going well update in-between! In it I will include anything of interest to the local craftsperson. It is where you can find out about exhibitions, fairs, good places to source things and advertise YOUR business, or even new stock ranges.
It is an independent venture so I will appreciate any information that anyone wants to know or get known (any good rumours too!)
This is the maiden voyage of NOTICEBOARD, it has great potential. Use it to your advantage. So I ask you, if you want something published please give me notice. I may be working from home in my pajamas with a cup of tea and choc biscuit to hand, but I have a busy schedule so first come, first served, unless its boring!
TODAY THE CRAFTS PEOPLE OF DUNLAOIRE/RATHDOWN, TOMORROW…

Just to let you know that bad spelling is guaranteed and grammar mistakes are a given, but it really is to get the information out there. All the witty comments and interesting facts are on the way as you contribute them… I am waiting…
It doesn’t look very pretty at the moment, but I am about to do a Photoshop course so it will be visually more appealing in no time.

BOXES
The Company I mentioned is called cool case in Liverpool, email: cases@optoplast.co.uk, but just to let you know if you look up www.riogrande.com you will find their stock is far superior. The company is a jewellery wholesalers and their display and packaging catalogue is fantastic! It is an American company and they have been quite good with deliveries in the past, I would definitely recommend them!

CRAFTS DIRECTORY
This email has been past on to most of you about the catalogue that is going out in June. It will be displayed for three months in target rich areas, craft/gift shops etc. The catalogue will be free and they are distributing 30,000 around Ireland. I have spoken to Mike and got prices off him, and it seems to be quite reasonable as he knows that a lot of craftspeople are part time or hobbyists.
May be interesting to look into and I will definitely be looking forward to seeing it for the future. Talk to Mike on 01 8049844 or email mike@M2Media.ie

JEWELLERY BOX
A new website is being set up called jewellery box and surprisingly enough they are selling jewellery. Stephen Curtis is the guy running it, and has offered to come and meet any designers interested. There is an annual fee and commission of 25%. There are other optional advertising costs. So let me know if anyone has an interest and we can set up an informal meeting, maybe at the wed night meeting? Contact Stephen on 087 6251297 or curtisstephen@gmail.com

ENTERPRISE BOARD
Did you know the enterprise board are there to look after the local business, which include you!!
There are three networks running at the moment and what I hope to do is let you know what each of them are doing in advance, since there has been some great meetings that have gone by unnoticed.
1st Tuesday of month – enterprising women, 2nd Wednesday is craft and design network and 3rd Tuesday is Trading Post.
I have been to a Trading Post meeting and was impressed with how the networking went. Not a big fan of the hard business selling myself, the way John Clarke worked it was interesting. All business cards were put in a hat and the business picked had to be described by everyone else in the room. It showed whether the person was selling themselves to their full potential. Then the room of people had to say what type of customer would suit this business and then recommend the customers. It was quick and easy and the business ended up with a lot of new contacts.
After the session, the usual refreshments including biscuits, relaxed everyone and the business cards were passed around freely. A very relaxed and worthwhile meeting which would be great if you wanted to get new business, or use local business people for printing, web design, accounting etc.

COURSES

Accounting using Excel 9th June 9.30am – 4.30 pm DLRCEB
Start your own business 17th May 6wks 7- 10pm DLRCEB

The website gives all information about the courses they run, starting in September there will be a lot more on the way. Check out www.dlrceb.ie/events/events.13.events.0.0.html this is directly to the site and has all up to date info of what is happening.

CRAFT COUNCIL OF IRELAND
If you are not a member by now, what’s wrong with you!
Fill in the form, post it with a couple of pictures and then reap the benefits.
The magazine itself is a mine of information, and you could rely on it for everything. In the back pages are pages of advertisements. From stands available to studio space, tools for sale to suppliers, courses to display boxes. It costs nothing and you go up on their website for free. It is where people go to find the crafts people of Ireland. There is no commitment, and you will be emailed about new shops, websites etc that are interested in you. LOOK UP www.ccoi.ie
Sally and I have application forms at the craft meeting.

RE: LAST CRAFT AND DESIGN MEETING 9thMAY07

So the meeting was about brochures. We went around and judged 14 brochures and catalogues. With a point system we decided what looked best, and saw good and bad points in them all. The conclusion… you can’t please everyone. It was good fun, and maybe thought us what to avoid. After in the bar we concluded that Herve had a fantastic brochure that had no faults. Alcohol was not an influence, it’s worth a look!

If you do not want to receive newsletters or would like to add someone, let me know.

NOW IT’S UP TO YOU. ALL FEEDBACK IS WELCOME. IF IT’S BORING I WILL BE IGNORING IT – NEARLY JOKING!
KAREN

Noticeboard – craft newsletter

Two weekly newsletter.

Information about fairs, suppliers, courses, excellent tips to use the internet to your craft advantage.

Information about the associations, guilds, societies, Craft Council of Ireland and Enterprise Boards.

“Connecting Artists and Crafts People in Ireland”