Felted Flowers Workshop with Knit Spin Felt

Agnieszka Rupnik of Knit Spin Felt brought a great selection of colourful merino wool for the workshop at Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery on Saturday 29th October.

Layers of wool are laid out ready for felting.

A spray of warm soapy water is added on top.

Friction is added by rubbing between layers of bubble-wrap.

And with some further manipulation we ended up with these felted flowers! These can be further embellished with beads, buttons or stitching. They can then be made into a brooch or sewn to a garment or a bag.

A big thank you to Aga for sharing her skills and knowledge with us and we look forward to her next class at Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery.

Patchwork for Beginners Workshop at Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery

Ever thought of making patchwork quilts for your home? Now's your chance to learn.
Patchwork for Beginners takes place at Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery every Friday morning from 10.30 to 12.30. These classes are popular so booking is essential. Email esterkiely@gmail.com or phone 087 6193870.

Featured Artist: Anne Towers

Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery currently has a selection of bowls by Anne Towers. Anne describes her work as follows:

"My work has always been art led, perhaps because of an early training as a painter at St. Martins School of Art, London. I am also a colourist and try to combine all my talents in the work I produce now. I make almost exclusively one off pieces for galleries and exhibitions or commissions."

Anne is a registered craftsperson with the Crafts Council of Ireland.

Featured Artist: Joanna McGlynn

Joanna McGlynn is an interdisciplinary artist, incorporating elements of drawing, textiles, writing, print, carnival and installation in her practice.

In a society where overindulgence became the norm of the past decade, Joanna returns to simplicity.

Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery's customers are enraptured by Joanna's "Chirpy Danglers", Brooches, Framed Baby Names and Greeting Cards which are also ideal for framing. For more information on Joanna's work see www.joannamcglynn.com

Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery now has some wonderful knitwear by Teddy Baby

Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery is delighted to offer a selection of children's hats by Teddy Baby. Simon Howell and Susie Cuthill tell us more about their craft:
"We have always shared a passion for arts and crafts. After giving-up our careers back in 2008, we took up residence on the stunning North-coast of Northern Ireland and explored everything from ceramics to illustration. In 2009, we brought our 'good life' back to the city of Belfast and after the birth of our first child; we finally decided to follow our passion for textiles and fibre art. In 2010 we started Teddy Baby, our hand-spun wool and knit-wear business.
What makes Teddy Baby so unique is that we spin our own wool, a technical skill that is rarely seen or even spoken of toady, but we are passionate about keeping it alive. The art of spinning wool is also an important part of Northern Ireland’s heritage and runs in our family.
We are part of the new generation of traditional craft makers striving to maintain a link to our cultural heritage, while exploring the possibilities of the medium within contemporary fashion, arts and crafts. It is important to us that while maintaining tradition in the artistic process, that the final design is fashionable and reflects us as designer/makers."

Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery presents Helen Griffin Ceramics

Helen Griffin Ceramics based in Gort, Co. Galway and all of her work is hand-thrown on the Potter's wheel in earthenware clay.

To see some more of her work visit Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery, Claregalway Shopping Centre, Co. Galway.

Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery introduces the work of Jenny McKenna

Jenny is an artist living and working in Galway. She graduated from Gmit in 2010 with a BA Honours degree in Textile design. Her main area of interest is constructed textiles using techniques such as macrame, knit and stitch. Jenny recently became a member of Groundworks studios in Galway and her work will be part of the exhibition " Objects of memory - Illuminated " which runs from 18th Oct - 26th Nov in the Galway City Museum. To see some of Jenny's beautiful handmade cards visit Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery, Claregalway Shopping Centre, Co. Galway.

Launch of Galway Craft Month on 9th October!

The Launch of Galway Craft month by County Galway Mayor, Cllr Michael Maher, will take place at 12pm on Sunday October 9th 2011 in the Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry, Co. Galway.

Galway Craft Month Brochures include details of events at Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery

Galway County and City Councils, Galway County and City Enterprise Board and the Crafts Council of Ireland have collaborated to produce a brochure to celebrate Year of Craft and launch Galway Craft Month from 10th October to 10th November 2011.

Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery is delighted to be part of this programme and looks forward to seeing you all in Claregalway for the opening on 10th October, 2011!