Spring Craft Market in Dublin

 Knitted Tea and Mug Cosies by the Crafty Shamrock

Etsy Ireland seller the Crafty Shamrock is organising a Market/Craft Fair on Sunday 15 March 2015 at The Green Door Market, Dublin 8. It is the St Patrick's weekend, and Dublin will be buzzing with tourists!

There will only be places for 24 crafts on the day, not duplicating either, first come first served. We will also have two food trade stalls, for coffee and snacks. On the day, the market will open at 10am for set up. Trading will take place from 11am-5pm.
 
If you want to take part, applications for places is by email please to thecraftyshamrock@gmail.com You will need your own table & public liability insurance. Cost for a stall/place is €38 via paypal/PO.

There is plenty of free parking.

Closing date for stalls is the 14 February 2015.

This is a great opportunty for Etsy Ireland team members to showcase and sell their products, also to network and talk to prospective clients! Don't miss it!

Crafty News Desk

Deepavali (Diwali) Market in Little India Arcade, Singapore

Greetings from lovely Singapore! I've had a great day of shopping here, exploring the special Deepavali market and the Little India Arcade, and getting lost in the textiles and trimmings heaven that is Arab Street! My suitcase is now rather full!! (There may be more about my shopping adventure in Singapore in another post...stay tuned!)

Meanwhile, here's the weekly update of upcoming crafty events back home in Ireland:

Marlay Craft Fair is on Friday 25th November (6-9pm), Saturday 26th November (10-5pm) and Sunday 27th November (10-5pm) in Rathfarnham, Dublin.
Details and application forms for stalls on the website HERE.

Stallholders wanted for a Craft Fair in Athy, Co Kildare on Saturday 10th December.
Mount St. Mary’s Resource Centre located behind Perry’s supermarket, Athy will be holding a craft fair on the Saturday 10th December and are currently looking for potential stallholders to sell their crafts and produce. The fair will be held inside and tables are provided.
A pitch costs €25 and this money will go directly to the centre which runs a number of activities that are available to the local community.
For more information or to book a stall contact Bernie on 087 203 2487 or Nicky on 086 807 6365

Two Christmas Fairs in Wicklow in December:
Christmas at Killruddery, Killruddery House (The Orangery)Bray, Co. Wicklow. 100% Artisan Crafts & Food stalls from County Wicklow. All crafts will be represented. Fri, Sat & Sun - 17th, 18th & 20th November. 26 stalls in total with 8 stalls left. Price between €140-165 per space for the whole weekend! (+table hire if needed - €10)]
Christmas at The Gaol (Santa will be returning again this year!)Wicklow Gaol, Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow. Mostly Artisan Crafts & Food stalls (or unusual and not found on the high street items)and mostly from County Wicklow and surrounding counties.
Fri, Sat & Sun - 2nd, 3rd & 4th December
Fri, Sat & Sun - 9th, 10th & 11th December
Fri, Sat & Sun - 16th, 17th & 18th December.
30 stalls in the hall of the Gaol decorated in Christmas Theme in keeping with old style Christmas Santa Experience. Price between €140-165 per space for the whole weekend! (+table hire if needed - €10)
Contact: Sinead Quinn, CFL Events, 0872707496, cfleventsww@gmail.com

Swoop.ie - A Haven For All Things Handmade in Ireland
Calling all Crafters/Designer/Makers.... Fantastic new site coming online for selling Irish Handcrafted Products and Design. www.swoop.ie
A Haven for all things Handmade in Ireland! Contact Tanya@swoop.ie for further details!

I'm hoping over to Hong Kong tomorrow on a work trip for the next week, so next time I check in for the crafty news I'll be just back and I hope you will forgive me if I am a little jet-lagged!! If anyone has any crafty news that would be of interest to our team members, please convo me through my Etsy shop TheBlueSylph.etsy.com before next Monday.

Crafty News Desk

It's nearly time to get out your winter coat!! This lovely coat is made by Spiral Gypsy Creations.

Anne-Marie from byAMOR told me that a few team members are getting together for another 'Inspirational Day Out' to attend the Festival of Light in the RDS on 22nd October. If anyone is interested in joining in, there's more details HERE.

The Belfast Creative Crafts Show is on from 13 - 15 October 2011 in The Kings Hall, Belfast. This show covers all aspects of quality stitchcraft including cross stitch, sewing, card making, embroidery, knitting, patchwork, quilting, scrapbooking, ribboncraft, papercraft, stamping, beading, painting, dressmaking, tapestry, decoupage, crochet and many more popular stitch and creative crafts. More details HERE.

Here are some more upcoming craft markets (including Christmas fairs) which may be of interest to team members looking to sell their wares:


The Affordable Gift Fair - Sunday 20th November 2011 - 10am - 5pm - Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Weekly craft fair at old barn market Carlingford 12-6pm
special Christmas fair 26th and 27th November.
Contact in south Ireland Eileen 087 2030301
or in northern Ireland Frances 0799 9849607

St Davids School, Greystones, Co Wicklow - Christmas Fair - Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December 2011

More local craft fairs around the country:

DERRY JOURNAL GIFT & CRAFT FAIR
13 November 2011: Everglades Hotel, Derry

AN TAISCE CRAFT FAIR
20 November 2011: Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

PEACOG CRAFT FAIR
27 November 2011: Gortahork, Co. Donegal

LETTERKENNY CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
27 November 2011: Radisson Blue Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
27 November 2011: Ballinrobe Community School, Co. Mayo

And don't forget the Buttons and Bows Halloween Fancy Dress Market - 23rd October 2011 - Crumlin Road, Dublin 12. Sounds like fun!!

If anyone has any crafty news that would be of interest to our team members, please convo me through my Etsy shop TheBlueSylph.etsy.com before next Monday.

Next week's Crafty News will be brought to you from... Singapore!!! I'll be hoping to pick up some gorgeous fabrics in Arab Street for making lovely things like tribal belly dance costumes. I'll let you know how I get on, so watch this space next Monday!!
Natalie

Crafty News Desk

Hi Everyone!

Just a few tidbits of crafty news this week. Let me know if I am missing something important!

Craft Markets of Ireland Meet Up
Wednesday, October 5 · 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Exchange Dublin, corner of Exchange St. Upper and Essex St. West.
Craft stall holders and Market organisers are all invited and welcome to this Meet up. We are going to meet, chat and discuss topics relevant to how Craft Markets happen and work in Ireland at the moment. Whether you've been doing this for years or are a newcomer your thoughts are all welcome.The agenda will be decided on the day by those taking part. Come and meet other crafters, network and make friends.
This is a Meet up of the members of the Facebook group "Craft Markets of Ireland: Becoming Selective", that is open to all involved in craft markets. Crafters and Market Organisers are welcome to join the group, just look us up and ask to join. The group's aims include discussion and shared learning about how to make craft markets better. This is an open event, please pass on the invite to interested friends. If you cannot make it for the very start don't worry - come along when you can.
To find Exchange Dublin Collective Arts Centre on Google Maps click this LINK.

For anyone who is on Facebook, team member LolaDee Handmade is running a competition! You could win a custom zipper hair clip / brooch and matching pair of earrings. Details on the Facebook page here:
www.facebook.com/loladeehandmade

Buttons and Bows Market are will be holding a special Fancy Dress Halloween market on 23rd October in the Iveagh Grounds on the Crumlin Road, Dublin 12. Stalls will include jewellery, cards, candles, Face painting and crafts for the children. Stalls will cost €25. For further information on taking a stall please email buttonsandbowscraftmarket@hotmail.com

That's all from me for this week. If you have some crafty news please email me at thebluesylph@gmail.com or send me a convo through my Etsy shop The Blue Sylph before next Monday!

Natalie

Crafty News Desk

Hmm, it's not easy to get your work done when your cats seem to think your box of crafty scraps is their new bed when they're feeling poorly...

Hi Everyone! I'm Natalie aka The Blue Sylph and I am your new Crafty News Reporter! Those are my cats, but since that photo I have managed to keep them out of my crafty supplies, except for the bag of feathers they got hold of...

Apologies for the lack of Crafty News during the last few weeks, but I am here to report now! Thanks to Mo's aka Huggleknits hard work as my predecessor I have big shoes to fill, so here goes...

Crafts people wanted for a new craft shop in Mallow Co. Cork called Truly Gifted. They only sell handmade Irish goods and will run workshops for adults and children alike.
They are also looking for people to give workshops in their craft as well.
For more information please contact Majella on 083 4123737 or e-mail info@trulygifted.ie or click HERE.

Wicklow Christmas Gift and Craft Fair Sunday, 27th November 2011 now taking bookings for stalls. Information HERE.

Crafters Ireland (craft & food fairs) have upcoming Halloween & Christmas fairs/events. Check out their website for details HERE.

If you are looking for an outlet to sell your work, there are a few spaces available in Design Shed Ireland. They showcase up to 14 artists and crafts people every week in Blackrock. They have a purpose built shop which has 5 wall spaces and 9 tables spaces.
So if you hand make jewelry, are a potter, weave baskets, make candles, are an artist or photographer, or even a wood turner this could be for you. And the beauty of it all is you don’t even have to be there and they advertise you all week on our website blog facebook and twitter!
With only 12 weekends left until Christmas and spaces filling up fast now is the time to get your space secured in time for the Christmas market.
The Market opens every Saturday and Sunday from 10.30 to 5.30, every Bank holiday Monday and the week building up to Christmas.
To get involved simply send a few sample images of your work to designshedireland@gmail.com for more information on how it all works.
Check out our website to view who is in the shop and see the shop layout. www.designshedireland.com

THE CREATIVE COLLECTION - Craft Fair at The Mall, 1st Floor GOREY SHOPPING CENTRES Sat 8th Oct 10am-6pm More than 24 stands of high standard crafts. This event is the first of three, the other two are 12th Nov. and 10th Dec. The venue is a wonderful bright airy space. It's very accessible from the main shopping area by lift and lift from free car park too, also on foot from Gorey Main Street-through the Civic Centre and its opposite the library. All enquiries to carolfcarr@yahoo.co.uk Phone 0876263463

Don't forget it's still the Year of Craft, so check out all the events on the website:
www.craftinireland.com

An interesting upcoming event is in Athlone this weekend, Great Big Craft Extravaganza
3 Days of Shopping, Classes and Demos - Crafts include cardmaking, jewellery, scrapbooking, felting, photography and more. Check out their blog HERE.
And there's more in this post HERE.

That's all from me for this week. If you have any other crafty news please add it in a comment here, or convo me through my Etsy shop The Blue Sylph.
Natalie

Craft Markets

Just to let you all know two good Craft markets on this weekend Sunday 21st  are,
Castletown House Celbridge Co.Kildare ,10am till 5pm
Buttons and Bows, Crumlin,GAA Crumlin Rd. 12am till 6pm
Regards,will keep you posted .

Crafty News Desk

Greetings from the Crafty News Desk. 

As I am coming to the end of my 12 months tour of duty I would like to thank all of you for your news items and comments over the last year. 
If any of you are interested in taking over I would be more than happy to help in any way, even stay with you for the first few weeks.    All you really need is the information -  some of which comes from the rest of the group, some from trawling the internet, twitter, facebook and the news papers and some from tapping into weekly news sheets.  That's if for the Job Advertisement......

This week's mixed news bag:

There are a number of very interesting talks/demos happening in our museums over the next few months e.g. a talk from 2 of Ireland's jewellers on 2 July;  a tour of  Neillí Mulcahy's Fashion Designs on 8 July and a tour on the history of glassmaking on 5 August to name but a few - all at Collins Barracks.  Well worth a look as you never know what you might find there....  Museum

Summer Evening Mosaic Workshop in Bennetsbridge, Wednesdays 6, 13 + 20 July 2011, 7:30pm – 9:30pm.  E: jenettecastle@gmail.com              www.castlerinstudios.blogspot.com 

Craft West - Carlton Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe, Co Galway - 24 July 2011.   There are stands available to all exhibitors who produce Irish made goods.   Any questions you have or if you would like an application form email  Mary, at craftwest@gmail.com.

The Drawing Workshop in The National Botanic Gardens will run on Wednesdays this July 6, 13, 20 in the beautiful and inspiring gardens in Dublin 9.     Cost: E75, materials included.   The  workshops are designed for adults with little drawing experience, or those who’d like to refresh their skills, in a supportive, relaxing environment guided by two tutors. Places limited to 12.     E: debbiejenkinson@gmail.com     

T: 086 0565907    hedrawingworkshop.tumblr.com

Exchange Market have some stands available for their next Art and Craft market in Dublin on 9 July ..... info here exchange market

Thats about it for this week.  As always thanks for the info.  If I missed anything please tag it on to the end of this post. 

Cheers
Mo
huggleknits

Crafty News Desk

Greetings from the Crafty News Desk - I am back in harness and rearing to go again......  Say hello to some of the crazy woolies I met over the weekend!!!!!!

Firstly can I say a very big THANK YOU  to Ruth  from nicedaydesigns who, along with other crafty people in the Limerick area, has successfully managed the Etsy Ireland Pop-Up shop in Limerick over the last month.  Check out the facebook page Limerick        Well done one and all.

Congratulations to Suzie from littlewhitedog who had some her amazing letters in one of the award winning gardens at the Bloom Festival over the weekend.  A lovely addition to the Alice in Wonderland garden.  Well done Suzie!!  And she is also going to have a slot in the Pop Up Shop at the Royal Hibernian Academy in Ely Place from 18 to 24 June so why not drop by and say hello if you are in the area.  Details are on her facebook page facebook.

Craft Market - Iveagh Grounds, Crumlin 12 

Places available     New Craft market opening in Guinness Athletic Union, Iveagh grounds in Crumlin Dublin 12 on 3 July next from 12 to 6pm.  They are looking for stall holders (full for Jewelry and cards)  for information contact  buttonsandbowscraftmarket@hotmail.com with details of what you would like to sell.

CraftWest is currently in the process of organising craft and food fairs in the west.  We are interested in you, whether you are a large or small trader, established or just a beginner.-We look forward to hearing from all who are interested in participating.   CraftWest has a strict policy of Irish made, hand made, or home made products only.
Contact  CraftWest@gmail.com

Designer Dublin was launched on 1st June in the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau Street. As part of Year of Craft 2011, Designer Dublin will showcase the very best of design and craft made in Dublin.   Some of our ETSY crafters are involved - meet Angela from  artysmarty  and Judith from ABoxForMyTreasure at the Open Craft Trail next Friday from 5 - 9 (nice snacks are promised)  more info here on   facebook    Good luck to all involved.

Exchange's Art+Craft Market is coming up this Saturday & as  they still have a few tables left they're offering them  for a special rate of €15 for 2 tables. That's 2 square metres to fill with your lovely wares [normally €10 for 1 table slot]. Get in touch with markets@exchangedublin.ie  quoting the word "connections" to make use of this offer. This 2 stalls worth of space can be shared between friends as well.  

That's about it for this week.  I know I have missed some items - sorry if I did - please add the details to the comments on this blog post.  For any events coming up please contact me through my Etsy site www.huggleknits.etsy.com

Cheers
Mo

Crafty News

Greetings from the Crafty News Desk.
Just had to share a pic of my new button box, now holding loads of pretty buttons for my Tiny Chuus.....  Anyway, enough drooling......  Hope you all had a great Easter and May Bank Holiday. 

This week I have news of a number of Craft events, Craft Markets and selling opportunities coming up over the next few months - "In no particular order" as they say.....

• Ruth from  nicedaydesigns has word of a pop up shop opportunity in Limerick.   see here pop-up-shop
• First online Irish craft community and marketplace called Fondelifair .... see here first-online-craft
• Batik Workshop, National Print Museum, Dublin, Saturday 7 May, 10:30am – 4:30pm  (Max. 12 people) Cost: E60  nationalprintmuseum
• Art and Craft Fair, 19 June, Spawell, Templeogue, Dublin.  Spawell     location
• World record broken.......   1147 knitters have smashed the world record at the Lamb Festival in Roscommon over the weekend.   Well done.  Details -  Lamb
• 'Mastercrafter', a new RTÉ series, is looking for amateur craftspeople to star in the show.  Details here Crafters
• Sage and Stone Market on 28 May at The Farm, Newlanes, Duleek, Co. Meath.  Nice selection of stands so far including Fi from patchworkdelights  Details here sageandstone
• Scallop Festival with Craft Selling opportunities on 9th July on Valentia Island - details to follow
• Craft Guerrilla Designer Makers Competition! "We'll be working with Twisted Thread the organizers of the Knitting & Stitching shows to showcase the best new talent in British and Irish Arts & Crafts!    We're looking for talented Designer Makers who are passionate about all things hand made, have a high level of craftsmanship and make beautiful, modern, high quality, hand made Designer Maker items!  We have 6 stall spaces up for grabs in each "Knitting & Stitching" shows in London, Harrogate and Dublin.  For more info and application details please see...  craftguerrilla
• As always keep an eye on the Year of Craft website for updates countrywide.  craftinireland

That's about it for this week.  I won't be with you for the next 3 Mondays as I head stateside for a bit of sun and fun.  If you would like to cover news over the next few weeks get in touch with Purls at her shop purlsofcolour .  I will be back with you all on Monday 30th. 
Cheers till then
Mo
huggleknits

Crafty News

Greetings from the Crafty News Desk and Happy Easter from me and these cutsie chicks......

Some snippets of news for you ....

New market starting up in Wexford next Sunday 24th April.  Enya has been in touch with loads of tempting details - takes place in the Sky and Ground pub, a very popular spot in Wexford, starts at 12.30 with stalls inside and outside in the Beer Garden followed by music.  Details and info re stalls contact Enya @ 0876403323 or enya.barron@gmail.com - Facebook info MARKET

Annual Easter Craft and Book Fair in the Boyne Valley Hotel in Drogheda on 24th and 25th April.  Tables €35.  Contact Scott on 085 2828 420 or email him at craftersireland@gmail.com

Weekly market in Claremorris on Friday mornings, 10 till 1.  Email christinemlynn@gmail.com for more details


‘Community/Family Day’ in Delgany on Easter Monday (25th April) - market will take place in a vacant shop/retail unit on the main street in Delgany - market will be open from 10am till 3pm -  €15  Contact: becky.loftus@gmail.com

Artwork with the theme of Music is sought for the Bloom Festival in June - details BLOOM

And dont forget to keep your eye on the Calendar of events posted on the YeaR of Craft website - details CALENDAR

Thats about it for this week. 
Crafty News will be off enjoying the Easter celebrations next week so see you all on Monday 2nd of May for a roundup of any interesting events coming up in May.  Then I am off on my hols for a few weeks so I am looking for some guest writers for the Crafty News for Monday 9th 16th and 23rd.  Please get in touch if you would like to try your hand at writing for the News Desk.

Bye for now.
Mo
HUGGLEKNITS

Crafty News Desk

Greetings from the Crafty News Desk

(this week's photo is of a surprise bed of blue bells I came across yesterday - nothing gives me a better feeling that Summer is on the way )

Well, this week its back to general news - bits and pieces that I hope will be of interest to you all.

Big congrats to BONZIE who was presented with a Designers Award last week in Dublin and who also designed the official gown for the Waterford City Mayor for the Formal Mayor's Ball.  She is going from strength to strength.  Its great to see a success story in this day and age.  Well done !!!

The latest listing of events have been posted on the Year of Craft website  YEAR OF CRAFT 

You can also add your own events directly to the website EVENT

There is a wealth of notices with crafting opportunities on the main Craft Council of Ireland website.  Well worth a visit  CCOI  also links to craft fairs/show here FAIRS  In fact if you trawl through all the pages on the website there is bound to be something of interest there for you.

Have you been to our Facebook page yet???  Loads happening there.... Last Friday we had a Showcase for all of our new work.  It was a great way to see what is coming next in a number of the shops.  You can also find details of giveaways and events.  Worth a look..... we now have over 1,000 followers on Facebook whoo hooo!!  Facebook

AND NOW FOR AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU.

How would you like to showcase your area on the weekly Crafty News???? 

Tell us what is happening Craftwise where you live.  

If you would like to bring your event or shop to the Crafty News let me know and I can feature you on one of the Monday slots. 

I am also looking for some Guest News Reports to take the blog entry when I am on hols in May.  So please get in touch through my shop HUGGLEKNITS  and we can take it from there.

So thats it for this week - short and hopefully sweet.

Keep the news coming in - See you next week

Cheers

Mo

Crafty News Desk

 

Greetings from the Crafty News Desk on a chilly but sunny day in Dublin coming to you a little later in the day.  (Lots of family distractions...)
Today's photo is full of the promise of more sunny and warm days ahead.


Loads of great articles and reports on the blog over the last week,   - go and take a look!!!!!!!!!!

----------------------------------------------
Stop Press. Blog / Facebook Giveaways/Sales

• Mary from her BLOG is giving away some very interesting supplies, so go check it out
• Jack on his FACEBOOK page is giving away one of his amazing wooden pieces
• Odette is having a sale in her SHOP 

---------------------------------------------
This week I am concentrating on Ulster for our whip around Ireland. 

Ulster is made up of 9 counties, 3 in the Republic of Ireland i.e. Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan and 6 in Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom) i.e.  Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh,  and Tyrone.  Sorry I can't do a numbers check for the shops in each county- there seems to be a problem with the Shop Local page on ETSY.  If you would like to find out the numbers for yourself - go to the home page on ETSY, scroll down and click on Shop Local on the left of your screen, then put in the name of the area you are looking for and it should come back with a list of all of the local  ETSY shops .....Magic!!!!!

County Information
Cavan/Monaghan -  link for the Cavan Monaghan Crafts Facebook page CRAFTS
Cavan - some Cavan crafters      CRAFTERS
Donegal - link for Donegal Craft Village VILLAGE
Derry - link to the Craft Village village
Down - County Down crafts crafts
Fermanagh - Crafts consortium CRAFT
Tyrone - selection of crafts FLAVOUR

Belfast - St Georges Market info GEORGES

Northern Ireland general information
General - link to listing of markets and events LISTING
General - craft fair - event (sorry, too late for application) EVENT

The main website for the Year of Craft is   http://www.craftinireland.com/   Keep an eye on the listings and check back often as it is being updated regularly.


So that's it for the Ireland Round Trip.  I hope you have found some useful information here over the last few weeks. 


Next week it is back to the normal general listing of anything of interest that I find.  I would really love to hear from you with listings, giveaways, markets, sales, classes, etc etc etc.  Please get in touch and share the news.


Cheers for now
Mo
Huggleknits

Crafty News Desk

Greetings from the Crafty News Desk on another sunny but cold day in Dublin - and greetings from this little lad who arrived in Airfield Farm, Dundrum, Dublin last week.  So cute.......


Before I start with this week's report I would like to congratulate Karen Long from Cork who is the lucky winner of the Etsy Ireland St Patricks Day Treasure Hunt.  Well done girl.  I will be sending you the hoard in the next few days and hope you get much fun from opening and using all the goodies inside.  Also a big congratulations to the team who were involved with the competition (not forgetting Jacob who drew the winning ticket....).  Great work.


This week is the turn of DUBLIN.  According to the ETSY Shop finder, there are 84 Etsy shops in Dublin, Ireland.  Wow!!!!!!!!  Big Wave to you all....

Very little news events arrived at the Crafty News Desk this week for Dublin, so I will give you a general overview of  some markets and resources.

• Crafty Market - due to return in April - crafty
• Ferocious Mingle Fancy Dress Market - Mingle
• Peas and Pods - a new family market - Pods
• Other markets from the Craft Council of Ireland  - CCOI

Resources

• All the County Councils have a department dealing with new business and run courses.
• There is a comprehensive list of Craft events on the Year of Craft website   Year
• Information on worldwide postage rates from Ireland  Postage

Our biggest and best resource is all the people that make up the Irish Team and their collective experiences and advice. 
Use the blog and I am sure you will find an answer to what is puzzling you or at least a direction to go in to solve your problem. 
Go to the Facebook page and follow what is happening or follow us on Twitter for up to the minute newsy bits and pieces.
Go to our Discussion Thread on Etsy here > CHAT .  Join in and maybe even venture into one of our live on-line chats..... its great fun and a nice way to meet people. 
Then there are the Meet-ups - so far mainly in Dublin, with one or two others in Limerick and Galway.  I am sure if there are a number of Etsy people in your area you could get together yourselves and share.

As always, thanks to those of you who got in touch.  If you have some news of an event, market, selling opportunity, craft resource, giveaway on your blog, competition etc etc  please get in touch and I will put it on the Crafty News on any Monday. 

Have a good week
Cheers
Mo
Huggleknits , MosSupplies, you can find me on Twitter as Huggleknits.

Dublin Meet Up, March 2011

Hi Anne-Marie here with the promised write up on the goings on at the Dublin meeting last Saturday, 5th March 2011. Mo and I have pooled notes. Please convo me if anything important has been left out or is incorrect.

(Apologies for purloining this photo from a previous post)

12 team members met up at the super funky, Cafe and Gallery, Foam. Some of us got so excited by the natter, we forgot to take photos. By 'we' I mean moi, sorry!

Apart from Mo and Myself, present were:Margaret of Irish Sea Glass, Carla of Ava Rose Designs, Eimear of Ella Green Jewellery, Fi of Patchwork Delights, Elisa of Elimare, Mary of both Queen of Cuffs and A Wish for You, Natalie of The Blue Sylph, Irina of both Kaftan.Sarafan and Project Sarafan, Diana of Diana Marshall Fine Art and Driven to Abstraction and Gionvanna of Tirabaralla. Everyone was buzzing with ideas and a lot of useful hints for selling were shared. Here are the hightlights:

PROBLEMS PHOTOGRAPHING
Most of us fessed up to having difficulties with our photos. A previous post about photography by Ruth of Nice Day Designs was sited as invaluable. It was suggested that a link to this post be more visible on the blog. Our Blog Editor, Brigitte of Purls of Colour, has suggested including the article in the link 'New to Etsy' over in the Category list, found on the left hand side of the blog home page. Any comments/feedback on this would be most welcome.

TREASURY VIEWS
I'm on a mission to discover why some treasuries get 100s of views. If you know the secret please do spill the beans!!! Fi suggested we set up a treasury team to make and promote our treasuries. This treasury game seems to be working for the European Street Team and others. It was also mentioned that everyone ought to promote our own and each other's treasuries by using the provided links to Facebook, Twitter, Kaboodle, etc, regardless of whether you are feautured or not. We are on a mission to get our treasuries on the front page and get our wee team noticed! Perhaps these ideas could be developed by commenting on the existing treasury discussion thread.

SKILLS SWAPSHOP
Elisa suggested we get together to trade skills, something she has done successfully with friends. She has followed up on this fab idea with this Skillz Swap thread. Why not pop over and check it out!

THE YEAR OF CRAFT
Everyone is keen to do something to link in with the Year of Craft 2011 and to promote Etsy in Ireland. Again, please post ideas in this Year of Craft discussion thread.

I suggested we link our current St Patrick's Day Treasure Hunt in as a good starting point. I followed up with the Craft Council who were very helpful and have added a listing on their site as well as tweeting our link etc. We hope to be able to add more events to their calandar, though we would appeal for anyone with experience writing press releases to lend assistance please????

Several of the group are keen to organise either an Etsy-only market event this year and/or take up a corner of an existing market under an Etsy banner. The topic of a pop-up shop also came up again. Interested parties are looking into possibilities. It was suggested that plenty of time be awarded this, ie looking at the run up to Christmas as the target. Again, perhaps this is something that can be followed up with a private discussion thread to enable those who can be and wish to be involved to find each other and to develop the ideas.

We discovered that both Natalie and Mary are skilled graphic designers. They discussed designing a funky postcard together to promote the team, one that could be left in places such as Dublin Tourism, hotels, craft markets etc. Ideas as to the purpose and distribution of such a postcard are sought, again via the discussion thread for the Year of Craft. (eg a competition/blog giveaway - eg send this card to x address to be entered in a draw?)

THINK TANK
The team still needs a 'think tank' to pull promotional ideas together and to write press releases etc. I don't wish to put anyone on the spot but there was some exciting potential among the attendees. Anyone with experience in Marketing, Pr, Press releases, Event Management etc who would like to be part of a Think Tank can please comment below or convo our Team Captain, Letizia of ooak.ie.

SUPPLIES
Box Displays were recommended as another supplier to add to our growing list of recommended suppliers

BLOG CONTRIBUTIONS
Mo asked for any craft event news from your area to be sent to her by covo please. Crafty News is posted every Monday. I also reminded everyone that your contributions to the blog (How Tos, Trade Secrets, Eyes Open Ireland or anything related and relevant) will be welcomed by Brigitte with open arms. Contributing to the blog is great exposure for your shop too!!!

Treasury of Attendees

After much natter and coffee the highlight of the meeting was the show and tell. Everyone agreed how cool it was to actually see and touch each other's beautiful handwork, having seen the photos. We really are a talented bunch!!! Some of us couldn't resist making a purchase.

The above treasury is my way of making up for the sorry lack of photos.

We agreed that we need to meet up more frequently to follow up on these ideas or just to share hints and tips. By the way, any team member is invited to the Dublin meetings or perhaps you would like to call a meeting in your own area.

Crafty News Desk

Greetings from the Crafty News Desk on a cold but sunny day in Dublin. 
Today's photo was taken at the Avoca Mill in Co. Wicklow.

This week I will be featuring news from Leinster (excluding Dublin which will have a week of its own)


Leinster has 12 counties Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.    For today's posting I will only be looking at 11 (leaving Dublin for later in the series)
Leinster counties have a total number of 33 active ETSY shops broken down as follows:  Carlow = 5 Kildare = 5 Kilkenny = 6 Laois = 2 Longford = 0 Louth = 1 Meath = 4 Offaly = 3 Westmeath = 1 Wexford = 3 Wicklow = 3.  I am sure there are many more......


Items of Interest in Leinster
Carlow:  Facebook page for what's on FACEBOOK
Kildare:  Online craft links for Kildare LINKS
Kildare:  Athy Craft Market MARKET
Kilkenny: Thomastown Country Market MARKET
Kilkenny:  Kilkenny Craft Trail CRAFT TRAIL
Laoise:  Laoise Craft Group GROUP
Laoise:  Laoise Craft Centre  CENTRE
Longford: Ballinasloe Market MARKET
Louth: Carlingford Market MARKET
Meath:  Meath crafts CRAFTS
Offaly:  Arts and Crafts Association ASSOC
Westmeath:  Craft and Design DESIGNERS
Wexford:  Craft and Farmers Markets MARKET
Wicklow: Markets near Wicklow MARKETS

General:  Ireland Craft Trail for all counties TRAIL


OTHER NEWS

• Amity UK has a listing of markets in the UK and Ireland and you can access the list here : LIST
• Next Sunday 13th the Fashion Souk is on from 11-5pm in the Europa Hotel, Belfast
• Woolcraft Weekend coming up in Markree Castle, Sligo     DETAILS

 BIG REMINDER >>>>>> THE ST. PATRICKS DAY TREASURE HUNT STARTS TOMORROW SO KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR CLUES.  DETAILS ARE HERE  =  TREASURE

That's about all for this week.  If there are any other events happening in Leinster that are not listed please add them in the comments at the end of this article.  Next week is the turn of MUNSTER  so get your info in by next Sunday evening.
Cheers
Mo
aka HUGGLEKNITS  

Crafty News Desk

Greetings from the Crafty News Desk + UPDATES


This week I am sending out a Challenge to all of you Etsy Crafters in Ireland  - What's happening where you live?
Over the next 4 weeks I will be highlighting one of our 4 Irish Provinces and listing any events coming up.  This can include
- markets
- shows that include some of our Etsy clann
- exhibitions
- courses
- blog giveaways etc. etc. etc

Let all of our Etsy family know whats coming up in the area and keep our followers up to date with where they can find you or "like" you....
Also if any of our followers would like to share some information with the Irish Etsy clann feel free to contact me with your details.
So the posting dates are:
Connaught on Monday 28 February
Leinster on Monday 7 March (incl Dublin)
Munster on Monday 14 March
Ulster on Monday 21 March
so get your thinking caps on, ask around your area and get in touch.  You can contact me through my shop at this link -----  CONTACT MO and get the details in by lunchtime on the day before.

Some news items for you

• 24 Hour Print Pop Up Project, Limerick 26 - 27 February Limerick
• ‘Make a Botanic Print’ Workshop at Airfield, Dublin, 10 March airfield
• The Design Basket is a new gift website that will be launching in approximately 6 weeks showcasing the products of Irish designers & crafts people.   Free to set up - 25% commission on sales.  If you are interested in joining or would like some further information, please contact Sarah Jane Lynch on 086 826 4612. Alternatively, please send an email to sarahjane1980@gmail.com
• news in from Angela from wheretheresawool  of  the Dublin Alternative Wedding Event at the Guinness Storehouse this Sunday 27th February.  She will be there with her hand made crochet wedding favours.  As there may still be stalls available you can contact Linda McAllorum of One of a Kind Weddings on 087 295 1578.

That's about it for now
So get your thinking caps on and get in touch soon.
Cheers
Mo

Crafty News Desk

Greetings from the Crafty News Desk.  Happy Valentines Day to you all.

Check out some great collections of hearted loveliness from our members and vote for your favourite here >  voting-for-love

Now for the newsie bits from hither and yon......

• Check out the new series of articles, started last Saturday, by Fintan O'Toole in the Irish Times.   "Unearthing the long history of our island, one object at a time"   irishtimes 
• Dublin City Enterprise Board new craft initiative for the Year of Craft  Dublin Enterprise Board
• Exhibition - Crafted Creatures at the Ark - starts tomorrow 15 February and runs until 27 March  crafted-creatures-at-the-ark
• Exhibition - Ballinahown Spring Craft - See the work of artists from Counties Offaly and Westmeath spring-craft
• Course - Illustration Course in Dublin - starts on 22 February  illustration-course 

Markets News
Crafters Ireland is delighted to announce their new dates for the start of 2011….

Feb 20th – Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk, Co Louth - 11am -5pm
Feb 27th – Dunboyne Castle Hotel Dunboyne, Co Meath 11am -5pm
March 6th – Hilamar Hotel Kinnegad, Co Westmeath - 11am -5pm
March 13th – The Riverside Hotel Eniscorthy, Co Wexford - 11am -5pm
March 20th – Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey - 11am -5pm
March 27th – Carlton Abbey Hotel, Athy Co Kildare - 11am -5pm
These professionally run events give your business the perfect opportunity to showcase your services or wares, make sales and contacts, network with other businesses and promote your business to the wider community.
To apply for a stand or get a booking from please email: craftersireland@gmail.com

That's it for this week
Loads of St Val hugs to you all
Cheers
Mo
huggleknits 
mosbitsnpieces