News and ReviewsP2 Habitat Hosts First

Avantcraft Exhibition

P4 3rd Level Awards

P6 Adaptive Craft

P9 Buyers Market of American Craft

P8 Craft IT

P10 Winners of RDS Craft Competition

Craft Community NewsP11 Craftspeople at Origin

New Craft Gallery Opens

Contemporary Souvenir

OpportunitiesP 12 Creative Skillsnet

Network Information Day

P13 Research Missions

50% Scheme

P14 Making it in the USA

NCG - Opportunity

Photography Scheme

P15 Showcase Seminar

Showcase Subsidies

Avantcraft 2

P16 Dates for your diary

AdvertisementsP 18 Advertisements

Exhibitions - EventsP22 Snapshots - Graduate Show

P23 NCG - News

P24 NCG - Upcoming exhibitions

SOFA P.23

3RD LEVEL AWARD WINNERS P.4

Funded by the EU under the Interreg Programme, the aim of Avantcraft is to bring top designers

and craft manufactures together to broaden creative horizons and develop new and innovative,

market-led craft products.

Ten CCoI craft companies participating in the Avantcraft programme recently unveiled their new product ranges at an in-store exhibition (from 21st August - 8th September) in Habitat’s flagship store on Suffolk Street, Dublin 2.

Craft it seems is becoming ‘big news’ and very ‘hip’. In addition to extensive media coverage on craft this year, this exhibition attracted particular attention as it appeared on the front page of both the Saturday Irish Times and Sunday Times‘Home’ magazines - two influential publications with a very wide readership.

People are becoming more and more interested in the unique, authentic, product rather than the ‘same old same ole’.Uniqueness is a natural strength of the craft offering and even more so when you combine it with a modern slick design.Speaking at the launch, Peter O’ Brien, distinguished fashion designer who opened the exhibition said “I am thrilled to see this marriage between designers and craftspeople supported by one of the great names in contemporary design - Habitat;proving that design and craft can be brought together to our high streets, and shows that it is possible to have a modern affordable product which is neither faceless or boring”.

Images left - right: Geeskemarie Harnett & Jerpoint Glass

Habitat Hosts First Avantcraft Exhibition

Continued on page 2

News and Reviews 2

“If you ever wondered what was the difference between a high street chiffondress and one from a Paris couture atelier, its not really the fabric as very nicequality chiffon can be had these days for a reasonable price, its not even aboutthe design, High Street stores now all employ talented and experienceddesign staff. No the magic is in the craft. An expert mousseline couturier willlovingly baste her chiffon, then cut it, then hang it for as long as 3 days to allow for bias dropping, then baste again for the first fitting, and so on untilmiraculously she produces a dress which, despite all the care and work lavished on it, looks like it hasn't even been touched by human hands.That iscraft”, explains Peter.

Peter went on to say “I applaud the Crafts Council on their great idea in bringing these two groups of people, whose territories so often overlap,together, and of course Bravo to Habitat for having faith in Irish craft andaffording us this lovely exhibition. As I designer who could not have done hisjob without the Madame Georgettes, Monsieur Lesages, Xavier Lumens andcountless other artisans I think this is a marriage made in heaven”.

Participants in the Avantcraft project began their journey in early 2005, witha series of seminars and workshops examining the issue of design, looking atconsumer behaviour and exploring options for their companies. They alsomet buyers and had feedback on product at prototype stage.

They were then matched with designers of their choice and the developmentwork commenced. For some this was a smooth path - for others there wasmore back and forth deciding on priorities and directions. Indeed some companies evolved their objectives dramatically during this period and endedup changing designers to meet their new development priorities.

Taking on the role of ‘professional chaperone’ for the participating companiesin their design relationships was Pat McCarthy - himself a designer with anexcellent track record and reputation in the fashion sector. Pat provided participants with the ‘match-making’ support that enabled them to find theirappropriate partner. He was also on hand throughout to guide and advise thecompanies in their product development, and to share knowledge with theother participating EU countries.

For many the Avantcraft programme has been as challenging as it has beenrewarding. “Initially we were quite sceptical about working with designers,”explains Sally Leadbetter of Jerpoint Glass. “This is a relaxed family business,so we were relieved that they (Triple Dee) had such an informal approach. Ifyou’re a craftsperson it’s not just what you do for a living - it’s your life - soit’s vitally important that you find the right person to work with. You’re soclose to your product that it becomes an extension of you.That’s why it’s sospecial”. The resulting product developments are striking - with new use of colour and form, the pieces are still true to the spirit of Jerpoint Glass.

And the Avantcraft has not been limited to product design.As Dick Hartnettof Geeskemaria explains “Amanda (Daunt) fashion designer made us realisethat we had to look more like a fashion and design business. All the detailslike the swing tickets, the stationery, and the website needed to be taken intoconsideration.The partnership has been very good for us because we don’thave a design background. But even after a few months we’re looking a lotmore like a fashion company”. And the resulting new pieces are stunning - with a wonderful use of colour, creating a three dimensional effect.

The exhibition in Habitat is a real milestone for these companies, as it marks the first public display of work that has been up to 14 months in development.These ranges represent new opportunities for each participatingcompany. Having a retail outlet such as Habitat - which is renowned for itscontemporary design - host the first exhibition highlights this fact and bears testament to the work that has been developed.

Habitat Hosts First Avantcraft Exhibition

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Continued from page 1

News and Reviews3

Since becoming a franchise operation in 2002, Habitat Ireland have activelyand enthusiastically supported Irish Art and Design, holding ongoing initiativesand exhibitions in their stores to encourage and promote Irish designers.“Weare particularly excited to be showcasing the products which have beendeveloped as part of the Avantcraft programme, as they illustrate how thedisciplines of craft and design can come together to create beautiful piecesthat have both the functionality of good design yet retain the uniqueness andstories of a hand crafted piece,” explains Deirdre Murphy of Habitat.

The Habitat in-store exhibition features new work from the following 10 companies:

1 McKernan Scarves - working with Lucy Erridge2 Jerpoint Glass - working with Triple Dee3 Noel Whelan - working with Lorraine Brennan4 Enibas - working with Peter Ting5 Nest - working with Triple Dee 6 Fado - working with Inga Reed7 Geeskemaria - working with Amanda Daunt8 Geoffrey Healy - working with Triple Dee9 Forde Crafts - working with Lorraine Brennan10 Celtic Roots - working with Lorraine Brennan and Peter Ting

[ To participate in Avantcraft 2 see opportunities on pg 15 ]

Helen Connelly (Celtic Roots) and John Adams (Habitat) Deirdre Murphy (Habitat), Pat McCar ty (Avantcraft ProjectManager) and Peter O’Brien (Fashion Designer)

Kieran Forde (Forde Crafts) holding one of his pieces and Deirdre Murphy (Habitat)

Geoffrey Healy with his workJohn Adams (Habitat) and Sabine Lenz (Enibas) Caroline Forde and Amy Bownes

Snapshots From Habitat Opening

Avantcraft is a initiative supported by the European Programme INTERREG IIIB “Atlantic Area” aimed at increasing competitiveness in crafts companies. This will be achieved by working close with designers, incorporating new technologies, together with the help of interregional collaboration and the launching of new product ranges inspired by the Atlantic landscape and heritage.

Education

“Leaving college is like stepping over a cliff edge,” says

British textile designer Alice Kettle. CCoI’s brand new

3rd Level Awards Scheme is providing parachutes to

support graduates demonstrating most potential to

develop craft-based practice. This year two awards of

€2,500 have been made to Marieke de Wit, University of

Ulster, and Sharon Ferguson, National College of Art

and Design.

News and Reviews 4

The Council was delighted with the level of support for the scheme - nominationswere received from tutors at the University of Ulster, National College of Art andDesign, Crawford College of Art and Design, Limerick School of Art and Designand Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.

All nominees were invited to be interviewed by an independent selection panelin late June. Following hot on the heels of a hectic period preparing for degreeand MA shows, the interview process represented yet another challenge, but onewell worth taking.

The panel, comprising ceramicist Jack Doherty, textile artist Alice Kettle and jeweller Grainne Morton, brought a wealth of experience to the task. “We werereflecting on our own experiences at that stage, that point where you are moving out into the world,” says Jack Doherty. “It is the first gap you have tobridge and it’s very difficult. An award like this helps you to make the leap, butthere are very few other schemes geared towards helping graduates into theworld of creative work.”

CCoI, recognising how crucial that transition period can be, aims to facilitate finalyear students’ progress to the next stage of their creative development. Theawards can be used to acquire additional skills or training, for travel, research,equipment or materials, for studio costs or promotional materials.

The panel were asked to assess nominees’ work and proposals using clear criteria, and were looking for an indication of how the award would impact ontheir future. For most nominees, the interview represented their first opportunityto talk about their work and ambitions in a professional environment outside college. Some were nervous, but soon found the atmosphere positive andrelaxed, with members of the panel more interested in conversation than interrogation and often able to offer advice and suggestions.Alice Kettle describesthe two days as “full of energy and excitement”.

The two awardees, Marieke de Wit and Sharon Ferguson, can be proud of their achievement. Jack Doherty says all applicants were articulate and well ableto present their work and the panel was left in no doubt about the level of

commitment to their practice: “They were taking it seriously and there was asense of ‘life building’.”

Since the 3rd Level Awards aim to help the most talented students progress toprofessional careers, the panel were looking for potential. Grainne Morton says,“we were looking into the future and considering who was most likely to be producing quality work in years to come”. The most accomplished had thoughthard about making work that was new, says Jack Doherty: “With the twoawardees, the element of risk was very apparent.They were clearly taking chanceswith their work.”

At both graduate and postgraduate level, the panel were seeking a proposal that would actually influence a person’s career in some way, for something thatwould make a specific difference. “In some cases applications failed because people had not thought through their proposal; they seemed to be last minute,sketchy proposals,” comments Jack Doherty. “The most successful applications had thought well beyond ‘it would be nice to go to…’ and thought how the experience would alter their work.”

The panel was extremely impressed by the work jeweller Marieke de Wit broughtalong from her Fine and Applied Art degree show for which she had beeninspired by origami to create a collection of pins in thin silver, scored and foldedinto simple organic forms. She proposed taking three courses at Central SaintMartins College of Art and Design, London. Having completed the first course,Building a Jewellery Business, Marieke is thrilled with the whole experience.Designed for those intending to set up as sole traders/studio jewellers, the coursecovered aspects that Marieke had never considered, but now sees as essential.“The course was amazing and it was brilliant to be among an international groupof like-minded people with similar ambitions.” She also made the most of sparetime in London, getting inspired at the best contemporary jewellery galleries. Shefeels the other two courses will prove just as stimulating.The award will also allowher to buy silver and have some professional photography done.

An award like this helps you to make the leap

“we were looking into the future and considering

who was most likely to be producing quality work

in years to come”

CCoI

Winners Announced

Marieke de Wit Sharon Ferguson

News and Reviews5

“It’s the encouragement that means more than anything, the thought that someone

has enough faith in your work to give you that push”

“Before, I thought that I might not be able to manage in a business sense as a jeweller, but winning the award has given me the confidence to feel it is achievable.Now I believe I can do it. Even if I hadn’t been given an award, taking part wouldhave been beneficial. The panel made positive comments and suggestions and itreally helped me to talk about my work for the first time outside college.”

The money is obviously hugely beneficial, but just as important is the vote of confidence the award brings.“It is very encouraging to know people are willing tosupport your work.”While Marieke cannot afford to make a living from jewelleryalone just yet, she has set up studio space at home and has begun the process ofgathering the tools she needs.Already she is working on several commissions andalso towards an exhibition with fellow members of the Association ofContemporary Jewellers.

Postgraduate awardee Sharon Ferguson, agrees that the award is a great boost ata difficult time. Having had the use of a multi-head embroidery machine, whichallows the creation of sophisticated imagery, while completing her MA in Textilesat NCAD, Sharon proposed to use the award towards buying one.

“It’s the encouragement that means more than anything, the thought that someonehas enough faith in your work to give you that push, that there is something outthere to help when you finish college.”As for the money, she admits it would havebeen almost impossible to find the funds to buy the machine without the award,which has had knock-on benefits. “Other organisations are much happier to helpwhen they see that a recognised body such as CCoI has already supported you.”She hopes to have the machine by the time you read this.

Over the course of her MA, Sharon developed her interest in textile art and costume, creating a collection of costumes based on fairytales - and their re-writing- some of which she brought to show the panel, along with photographs of herfinal show. “I have always thought in terms of being a maker,” says Sharon. “Mywork lends itself to making individual pieces and that is what’s really important tome.Work evolves during the process.”

She now hopes to compete for large commissions for corporate buildings andmake community arts pieces a good deal more exciting than they often are. Sheis passionate about raising the profile of textile art, which she says is an underrated art form and appreciates the work CCoI has done in organising last year’sinternational textiles conference and the Wearable Unwearable exhibition. “Somany people think textiles are about patchwork and knitting. I would like to challenge those perceptions and show that textile art is very modern.” Sharon isalready working on two commissions and towards three exhibitions in Dublin and Belfast.

Looking forward to next year’s awards, all three members of the panel emphasisehow important it is to bring samples of work to the interview. “It is vital to havesamples so the panel can get a sense of scale/texture/quality. Some nominees hadbeautiful presentations of images but having samples is the most important thing,”says Grainne Morton. Jack Doherty agrees:“In today’s world where images can bemanipulated, it is a crucial part of the selection process to have work to look atand touch.” As makers, members of the panel respond to materials. “You cannotunderestimate the impact of a beautiful object coming out of a box in that room.There is a huge sense of expectation,” says Alice Kettle.

Some nominees did not have access to their best work for the interviews but,says Alice, this is a reflection of real life as a maker.“You always want to show yourbest piece, but often have to juggle. I would encourage all nominees to bring work- even if it is not their best.” Some did not yet have the professional photographyfrom their final shows. Grainne Morton suggests that tutors might be able to assistin planning to have images in time for the interviews and that students might thinkabout proposals earlier in the year.The best proposals this year, she says, were wellresearched and structured.A few were not actually to do with furthering practiceas a maker. Alice Kettle urges applicants to be clear about their objectives and read the criteria carefully: “Over your career you will fill in many applicationforms, so it is important to get into the habit of applying yourself to each of theguidelines and pointers.”

Recalling the days leading up to their own final shows, members of the panelcould appreciate that preparation for the award interviews comes at the mosthectic time, but agreed that it has to be donethen. Jack Doherty feels the award willcome to be seen as an important element of this busy time. Over theyears he has seen the work of manywonderfully gifted people at degreeshows and then for only a little whilebefore they disappear. “It is atremendous waste of talent. Anaward like this identifies a difficultyat this time,” he says.

He also acknowledges that thepanel had hard decisions to make.“We could have chosen three or four others, people whoseapplications were convincing tous. Those who have been giventhe awards were the people wethought would benefit mostfrom them.” Alice Kettle hopesthat all of the other nomineeswill also continue with theirpractice and recognise that notbeing given an award is not asign that they did not succeed. “Ireally feel a commitment to thosestudents and will be followingtheir careers.”

Creation by Marieke de Wit

Sharon Ferguson textiles

News and Reviews 6

Education

Adaptive Craft Show- a sell out!Jacare Jungle, the interactive dance performance for

children aka the Adaptive Craft showcase event

devised by textile artist Tara Carrigy for Kilkenny

Arts Festival, was a runaway success.

Tara was granted a research award by Crafts Council ofIreland and Dublin City University (DCU) in early 2006 toundertake a residency project at DCU exploring potentialapplications for smart fabrics. In addition to developing heroriginal concept of Smart Yoga Wearables,Tara also workedwith Brazilian dance company Oficina da Capoeira to createJacare Jungle especially for the festival.

Both performances of the show were sold out at an earlystage, and those who were lucky enough to get tickets weretreated to a stunning visual spectacle, which held its youngaudience spellbound.

The Crafts Council would like to congratulate Tara Carrigyfor her achievement in bringing the project to this excitingfinale.What a unique and appealing way to bring contemporarycraft to the next generation.

For further information contact

Sharon Rolston T: 056 7761804 E: Sharon@ccoi.ie

Craft in Classroom A snapshot of work from the 2006

primary schools craft pilot project(More Images at www.ccoi.ie)

Philadelphia Convention Centre: 21st - 23rd July 2006Visited by Nicola Whelan and Mary Whelan, CCoI

IntroductionThe Buyers Market of American Craft (BMAC) show takes place twice a year

- July and February - and is run by the Rosen Group who also publish

American Style (aimed at consumers), Niche (aimed at buyers) and Studio

Arts (soon to be launched and aimed at craftspeople).

BMAC is one of the largest wholesale fairs in America that features North

American craft only. The July show is the smaller of the two - with circa 900

exhibitors and buyers numbers in the region of 6,000. The winter show

features over 1,600 exhibitors and 9,000 buyers.

The ExhibitorsThe overall standard at the show was very good - the majority of exhibitors

were of Source Aisle (Showcase) standard and above. Product was well

presented and displayed - so even the products that may not have quite

reached the overall standard looked well because of the professional displays.

Exhibitors are clustered by the following areas:

• Wearable Fibre

• Mixed Media

• Kaleidoscopes

• Outdoors

• For the Wall

• Ceramics

• Glass

• Jewellery (at the winter show jewellery is sub-divided into

fine jewellery also)

• Sabbatical

Many exhibitors had images of themselves making the work - and many had

DVD’s of their studio.There was a definite belief in the need to promote the

story and the process of making - the craftsmanship - and this was appreciated

by the buyers.

Unlike here in Ireland, pricing was on display at most stands - and buyers

expected this.Terms of payment were also often highlighted - and terms were

seen as an additional sales tool that could be negotiated along with price

and quantity.

In general price points were low and quality was high. The finish of products

was excellent across the board. There was a notable similarity of design

between Irish and US work - in particular in the jewellery and textiles areas.

When you take into consideration the competitive pricing in the US (due to

lower overheads), freight costs, tax and currency issues, it is difficult to see how

Irish craftspeople could compete in the mainstream, retail market in the US.

However, having visited some of the high-end galleries in the Philadelphia

region, and having talked to some of the exhibitors who also produce gallery-led

work, there is undoubtedly a market in the US for Irish makers producing

gallery-led, Portfolio-quality work.

Exhibitors were very forthcoming with information - and all felt that

the show was excellent. They praised Wendy Rosen (show owner), while

acknowledging that she makes considerable profit from the show. The feeling

was that the Rosen Group had a genuine belief in the industry - and supported

the sector through promotions, the educational programme, publications and

by lobbying government.

The BuyersBuyers are screened almost as rigorously as exhibitors as there is a very real

issue regarding security and ‘knock-off ’s’. Every buyer has to give at least 3 very

detailed pieces of proof that they have a store (such as a web address, Sales

and Use certificate, store lease, purchase orders for craft, storefront

photograph, brochure, ad, business cheque in store’s name) and Rosen Group

then follow up and check validity. Only buyers with a genuine commitment to

craft gain access.

Talking to buyers it was clear that they hold the show in high esteem and highly

rate the exhibitors at the show. There was a belief that the Rosen Group were

working hard to support and promote the industry and there was a genuine

rapport with and respect for the craftspeople whose product they stocked.

To read the full report on this show visit our website www.ccoi.ie

News and Reviews7

BUYERS MARKET OF AMERICAN CRAFTAn Overview

News and Reviews 8

In Part Two on this topic we go into more detail on some of the compatibility and

design issues around email newsletters as well as steps that you can take to ensure

that your newsletter will be read by your audience. We will also look at software that

allows you to personalise the newsletters.

Compatibility

There are two ways of sending email newsletters – plain text and HTML. Rather than try to explainwhat each of those means here are screenshots of both to illustrate the difference:

And there you can see the key difference - the graphical impact on the reader. The email on theright is colourful, well designed, branded, contains images and navigation cues.

The one on the left however does not have any of those attributes except that it is also welldesigned within the constraints it is written in.

This shows the key issue with HTML emails - they can turn up in your recipients email softwarebecause of differences in the way the software works.The one above for example was written tobe viewed perfectly in Outlook but does not work in Thunderbird on a PC or in Safari on a Mac.

Plain text on the other hand is (almost) completely free of such glitches and you can guarantee thatwhat you write and layout is what the recipient will see.

You should experiment with both and see how they work. Be aware that the presentation of theHTML newsletter takes more work and involves a knowledge of imaging for internet use.The CCoIhas published a guide on this topic.

Something you can do to test how your email is going to appear is to sign up for a number of emailaddresses (Gmail,Yahoo, Hotmail for example), send your email to yourself and view it online.Thiswill not replicate every circumstance but it will give you some comfort!

COMING SOON.......

• Backing up your critical data

• Databases: tracking your

customers and suppliers

• Online Business Banking

• Using a computer and the

internet to track the dispatch

and distribution of your products

• Using internet news groups to

expand and share your knowledge

of current craft practices

ARCHIVE.......

• Stopress 7, 2006

What sort of website is best

for you?

• Stopress 8, 2006

Blogs

• Stopress 9, 2006

Tips to increase your on-line presence

• Stopress 9, 2006

Tips to increase your on-line presence

• Stopress 10, 2006

Email Newsletters - Part 1

CRAFT-ITE-mail Newsletters - Part 2

So why doesn’t everyone use theHTML email newsletter? Well firstlymost do - however a lot of people

do not do it as well as Denise whosephoto appears above.

Take a look at this one here - puttogether by marketing professionals!

News and Reviews9

Design and Structure

Personalisation works.

Personalisation can be used in two areas:

The email address and name in the From Field that your recipient sees.Try and use mary@meadowpottery.com instead of info@meadowpottery.com

If possible put the recipients first name at the beginning of the email.This means that the reader sees “Hi Sean” instead of “Hi Everyone” (or somethingsimilar). Small touches like that make it must more likely that someone will open or read your email.

The Subject Line is important

Most Inboxes for email show the sender and the subject line and sometimes people will decide which emails to read based on these two pieces ofinformation alone. And they may not remember signing up for your newsletter or giving you their email address!

So the Subject line is more likely to help if it captures their interest. Contrast these two:

“Autumn 2006 Update”V “Special offers at my show in Cork in August”

Even if I don’t remember the sender I am likely to at least glance at the latter for fear of missing something! And it does not have to be “special offer”- “new pieces” or similar will also work.

Get your pitch in early

This is related to the points above. Most email software has a “preview” panel – where a small part of a selected email can be seen. If your reader getsthis far (having been enticed by your gripping subject line!) then you have to ensure that the first paragraph gives them a reason to continue reading.

Ensure that the first paragraph gives them a reason to continue reading.

A related point (that we also touched on in Part One) is to keep the number of messages to one or two - research has shown that putting too manydifferent elements into a newsletter makes them less effective

A reminder on why the attention to detail is worthwhile

A study of how email newsletters are read by their recipients that was published in June 2006 showed the following:

• Overall Conclusion - Email newsletter are the best way to maintain customer relationships on the internet• The average time given to each email is 51 seconds• Only 19% of emails in an inbox were fully read

More information on the results of this survey are available from http://www.useit.com/alertbox/newsletters.html

Dedicated Software for Email Newsletters

I am going to round up this topic with a brief reference to a free piece of software - GroupMail - that makes the composition and personalisation ofemail newsletters much easier.

A word of warning though - this is for PC’s only and I have not been able to track down similar software for the Mac that is free.The following is a goodsource of shareware (some cost) and licensed email software for the Mac and it includes a number of programs that may have similar functionality - http://www.macorchard.com/email/

Group Mail can be downloadedfrom www.group-mail.com. It allows

you to easily manage your emaillists, compose emails in both plain

text and HTML and include personalgreetings in your emails. I have usedthis email and found it very effective.

If there is a topic that you would like addressed in Craft-It, please email stopress@ccoi.ie

Jerome’s intricate and sensational sterling silver bracelet won the admiration of the

group of international judges who had the difficult task of selecting this years’

winning works from over 400 craft entries and is one of 110 wonderful entries

which have been selected to feature at this year’s exhibition.

Second place overall in the RDS National Crafts Competition went to Jacquie

Brachi, Co.Antrim, for her calligraphy piece Delight in Disorder which also won the

RDS Arts Committee Acquisition Prize and the RDS Library Prize. The New

Entrants prize went to Raymond Connor Kennedy, Coleraine, for his Classical

Guitar in the musical instruments section, while Graham Clarke, London, scooped

the Graduate Prize for his Furniture entry, Rock On! rocking stool.

The RDS National Crafts Competition has become established as one of the high-

lights in the Irish Crafts industry calendar. It allows both professional and amateur

craft designers to compete for prestigious awards with a significant prize fund.

Later in the year, the work selected from the RDS National Crafts Competition will

travel to three venues: Farmleigh Gallery, Dublin;The Dock, Carrick on Shannon,

Co. Leitrim; and, Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart, Co. Derry, allowing

the work of Ireland's best and most promising crafts people to be seen by a

wider audience.

The RDS National Crafts Competition is part of the RDS Foundation’s Arts

programme which aims to promote excellence in the arts; to further the

professional development of young musicians, artists and craftspeople; and, to

support developmental projects in the arts.

List of registered winners with CCoI

*Jerome McCann 1st Prize Class 5 Jewellery - Precious MetalsRDS award of Excellence (Winner) - €6,500 and California Gold MedalCompany of Goldsmiths of Dublin Award 1st prize - €1,000Moveable bracelet made up from 48 links and a box spring catch, joined together withhinges and pins. All cast from 4 master models. The box catch is designed so that itblends in with the links and is hidden. The design process was quite important whenmaking this piece.

*Helena Malone Glass 4 Gold, Silver & Other - Precious Metals - 1st PrizeThe company of Goldsmiths of Dublin Award, 2nd Prize - €500

*Elaine Riordan Class 1 Ceramics - Architectural and decorativeMuriel Gahan Scholarship Nominee‘Worlds Apart’ - printed porcelain paperclay sculptures based on architecture of Indiaand New York.

*Jerome, Helena and Elaine are all graduates of the CCoI Jewellery and Ceramics courses.

Graham Clarke Class 12 - Furniture, RDS Graduate Prize 2006

- €1,500 and CCoI Purchase Award

Michael Ray 2nd Prize - Class 3 Glass and CCoI Purchase Award

Kate Wells Class 19 Printed Textiles - 1st Prize and CCoI Purchase Award

Sandra Vernon Class 10 - Rod, Rush, Straw & Alternative Materials

Muriel Gahan Scholarship Nominee

Christy Keeney 1st Prize - Class 1 Ceramics - Architectural and decorative

Felix Faulkner 1st prize - Class 4 Gold, Silver & Other - Alternative Materials

Damase Morin `2nd Prize - class 6 - Iron / Metalwork

Roger Bennett 2nd Prize - Class 7 - Woodturning

Alex Nicholson 1st Prize - Class 11- Leather

John Fitzgerald 2nd Prize - Class 11- Leather

Martin Lanigan 1st Prize - Class 12 - Furniture

Mark Hanvey 2nd Prize Class 12 Furniture

Gillian Freedman 2nd Prize Class 15 - Tufting

Astrid Tomrop Hoffmann 1st prize - Class 2 - Felting

News and Reviews 10

Winners of Major RDS National Crafts Competition Announced

Jerome McCann from Belfast was awarded the prestigious

Award of Excellence at the 2006 RDS National Crafts

Competition (August 2006) for his entry in the Jewellery

- Precious Metals section.

Congratulations to all the winners of the RDS National Crafts Competition awards

Helena Malone (CCoI Jewellery Graduate 2005) with her awardwinning silver spoon

Craft Community News11

Selected for Origin:The London Craft Fair

Three leading Irish designer-makers havebeen selected to exhibit in an exciting newevent for contemporary craft, Origin: TheLondon Craft Fair, organised by the BritishCrafts Council.

Textile ar tist Liz Nilsson, mixed media ar tist AngelaO'Kelly and woodturner Roger Bennett will be showingtheir work at this prestigious show, which replaces therenowned Chelsea Craft Fair, in October.

Over 300 British and international designer-makers - both established and emerging - will exhibit and sell directly to the public in a purpose-built pavilion in the courtyard of the historic Somerset House, on The Strand.

Liz, Angela and Roger will be showing in week 2 of thefair, 10th - 15th October 2006.

C ontemporary S ouvenir10th October 2006

University of Ulster, York St., Belfast

‘Most of us relish the occasional kitsch object, but it’s a fine line betweenamusing and depressing’

Jane Withers, ‘No more straw donkeys’,Wallpaper - Issue 84, Dec/Jan 2006.

SpeakersPeter Ting - International Design ConsultantConsultant to Asprey, London,Tyrone Crystal and Crafts Council of Ireland, Ireland.

Jane Withers, Wallpaper Magazine ‘No More Straw Donkeys: reinventing the souvenir’ (Issue 84, Dec /Jan 2006)

Barbara McConnell - Visitor Management, Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Electric Wig - Innovative Product Designers

Themed DiscussionsAdapting design for contemporary markets - a small business perspective

Engaging with designers - a manufacturers response

For more information and to reserve a place, please contact:Karen Gwilliam, Office of Innovation and Enterprise, University of Ulster byTuesday, 3 October 2006, t 0044 (0)28 9036 6982 | eknowledgeclub@ulster.ac.ukCraft NI & Interface present a day of

discussion and practical advice on howto adapt and innovate traditional

designs for contemporary markets.

New Contemporary Craft Gallery Opens.....Red Aesthetic, opened its doors in December 2005 as the first high-end craft and jewellery store of its kind inKilkenny. Situated on historic Rose Inn Street just a short stroll form kilkenny Castle, Red Aesthetic stocks the very best ofIrish and International contemporary design in a stylish, modern and spacious gallery setting.

Contact details: Red Aesthetic Ltd, 2 Rose Inn Street, Kilkenny T + 353 (0) 56 7765526 E: info@redaesthetic.com W: www.redaesthetic.com

Roger Bennett Angela O’Kelly Liz Nilsson

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Opportunities 12

Network Information Day 29th September 2006 - Kilkenny Castle

An information day for groups and networks wishing to apply to CCoI for support

Agenda

9.45 Brief introductions from all present

10.00 CCoI consumer research - Ciaran Conroy of TruePotential

10.30 Directional outlets - who is ahead of the game? Angel Monzon Vessel

Gallery, to be confirmed

11.00 Network eligibility and drawing down finance from the CCoI - Mary

Blanchfield (CCoI) and Phil Walsh (Financial Advisor)

11.30 Tea and coffee

11.45 Case study 1 - best practice in membership organisation

Contemporary Applied Arts, London - Tass Mavagorato, Director

CAA

12.15 Case study 2 - presentation on outlets run by a membership - Orla

Casey, Consultant, formerly Leitrim CEB and Leitrim Design House

1.15 Closing remarks - Cornelia McCarthy (CCoI)

1.30-3.00 Networking buffet

For further information contact Mary Whelan T: 056 7761804 E: maryw@ccoi.ie

Creative Skillnet is an opportunity for all creative industries to network, determine their own training and strategic business needs and

access substantial resources for the development of their own enterprise and market sector.

Creative Skillnet training is grant aided and programmes are 70% funded for members.We are committed to providing training that meets

the critical business needs of our members.

Upcoming workshops are:

To sign up as a member for the remainder of 2006 why not avail of a fantastic opportunity to join Creative Skillnet at a 50% reduction on the full membership fee.This offer is open to anyone wishing to join Creative Skillnet during September 2006

For more information on the upcoming courses or joining the network contact:

The Pat McCarthy Studio.The Rower, Inistioge, Co Kilkenny.T: 051 423857 E: mail: info@patmccarthystudio.ie

Creative Skillnet is managed on behalf of the Creative Skillnet Steering Committee by the Pat McCarthy Studio. Pat McCarthy Design Studio,

The Creative Skillnet is funded by member companies and the Training Networks Programme, an initiative of Skilnets Ltd. funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Enterprise,Trade and Employment.

VISUAL MERCHANDISING – for Retail and Shows1 Day workshop with chief merchandiser Eleanor Harpur from Habitat Ireland.This workshop will enable you to create the right image for your business/product through presentation and it will show you how to make the best use of your space if sales are studio based and how to ensure that your product is well represented within a retail environment. This course is aimed at producers and retailers who want to be kept informed about the most effective methods of merchandise presentation and selling. It will help all businesses to improve their presentation and sales performance by using visual merchandising techniques.

Date: Tuesday 10th October 10a.m. – 5p.m. Venue: Trident Hote, KinsaleDate: Wednesday 11th October 10a.m. – 5p.m. Venue: Butler House, Kilkenny

Cost: Creative Skillnet Members – €185 Non-Members – €250

PR & PHOTOGRAPHY – Image & ReputationGet practical advice on how to use PR to achieve your communication and business objectives during 2 half-day workshops each followed by an afternoon of group mentoring.

Day 1: 10a.m.-1p.m. Facilitators Jennifer O’Connell & Marc KellyThis workshop will focus on impactful press release writing, vital tips for media relations which can win friends and ambassadors among the relevant media. Direct marketing and it’s role in targeting corporate clients and commissions.2p.m.-5p.m. Group mentoring with Jennifer & Marc

Day 2: 10a.m.–1p.m. Facilitators Jennifer O’Connell, PR Consultant & Marc McCall, PhotographerThis workshop will focus on communication tools that can develop your business profile, including advice on creative photography and the building of a photographic library and its critical role in promoting your products.2p.m.- 5p.m. Group mentoring with Jennifer & Mark

Cost: Creative Skillnet Members - €350Non-members - €590

Venue: Trident Hotel, KinsaleDate: Tues. 17th & Wed. 18th October

Opportunities13

Go and see! It’s the best research for trends and for market research

Here’s what some people say….‘It was definitely well worth a visit to get a feel of international standardsand to see excellent contemporary craft.’

Patricia Murphy, Textile visited Collect at the V&A, February 06

‘The first thing that strikes you is size. The size of the fair, the size of the stands, and the size of the crowds! You are then struck by the ‘wow’factor ; everything is beautifully presented and laid out……. it broughthome how important marketing and presentation is.’

Etain Hickey, Ceramicsts visited Maison et Objet, Paris, February 06

Read more reviews at www.ccoi.ie

Research Missions - Spring 2007Financial Assistance towards visiting Shows

Closing date - 30th November 2006

Wanted! - New Product Apply to the 50% Scheme and get assistance

towards those new product ideas you’ve been planning.

The ‘50% Scheme’ gives registered craftspeople financial assistance towards making new products for a specific market opportunity i.e. exhibition, consumer event or trade show. CCoIcontributes 50% of the costs of developing the new product.

An application form and a CD of images must be submitted by 31st October 2006. An independent panel will make their selection in mid November and applicants will be informedshortly afterwards. 50% of the award will be given up front and the remainder on completionof the new work.

Application forms are available at www.ccoi.ie

Closing Date 31st October 2006.

For further information contact: Helen Lynch T: 048 30833605 E: helen@helenlynch.net

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If you want to research an event/show in 2007 and want to avail of assistancewith costs…..Then download an application form from www.ccoi.ie

If your application is successful, CCoI will subsidise a maximum of 50% of the cost of:

• economy return airfare• public transport to and from the event• passes/tickets to the event• accommodation - one night in UK, 2 overnights in Europe

and 3 overnights in USA.

maximum subsidy for UK €150, Europe €250 and USA €500

*Please note the following

• Due to the structure of our funding - subsidies are not available to craftspeople in Northern Ireland.

• The purpose of the mission is research; therefore applications from craftspeople who already exhibit at the show or who have been to the show more than twice will not be accepted.

• Maximum number of three research missions, per craftsperson per year.• In order to process the refund applicants are requested to produce

appropriate receipts and a short report on their event.

For further information contact Helen Lynch T: 048 30833605 E: helen@helenlynch.net W: www.ccoi.ie

Application forms available from www.ccoi.ie

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Making It in the USA Friday 30th & Saturday 31st March 2007

In conjunction with the Wild Geese exhibition in the National Craft

Gallery, the CCoI are holding a series of events, which will give information

to CCoI registered craftspeople and students in applied arts.

These events will give an insight into ways to do business in the luxury gift US market (not

the ethnic/Celtic market). Established American artists in the collectors market, will speak

at a seminar on Friday 30th March 2007 and will also give master-classes at a

number of workshops in the Kilkenny area in the following week. Gallery owners will also

give information and are available to meet craftspeople at clinic-style meetings (on both

Friday and Saturday).

Watch www.ccoi.ie and Stopress for further developments and booking form, and put this

date in your diary!

Opportunities 14

Photoscheme 2006Photoscheme uses the best professional photographers and is subsidised by the Crafts Council of Ireland, which significantlyreduces the cost for craftspeople.

The craftsperson has the license for these images but they are also placed onthe CCoI Imagebank, and used extensively on the website, and in publicationsand so increasing the potential exposure.

Research has shown us that when we go to a journalist with a story and aprofessional image it increases the chance of press coverage than if there isjust a story.

Next closing date: 2nd October 2006 Cost: €75 per product shot and €100 per model shotEmma or Mary T: 056 7761804 E: emma@ccoi.ie asap

Ecology Mythology Technology

Because of major changes in both the venue and timing of this exhibition it is now possible to reopen this exhibition for expressions of interest.

If your work deals with ideas of history and tradition, concerned with ecological concerns or use new materials or technology then we would like to hear from you.

There are a limited number of places available. All original selected makers do not need to re-apply.

The exhibition will now open in Kilkenny in October 2007 and will tour Ireland and internationally.While the exhibition is primarily a Furniture exhibition itwill also deal with craft and design objects for the built environment and will look at all the Craft disciplines.

Please submit an up to date CV and between 5 and 10 images of recent work to:

Ecology Mythology Technology, National Craft Gallery, Castle Yard, Kilkenny Final day for submission Friday 13th Oct 2006.

Angela Hope

In response to demand the ‘Doing Better Business atShowcase’ workshops have been postponed until October.The new dates are now:

• Cork - 17th Oct• Dublin - 19th Oct.

The workshops will be very practical in nature focusing on thereality of doing business at the show - and for this reason allspeakers will have first hand experience in their area atShowcase.

The workshops will concentrate on the areas of:

• sales techniques and dealing with buyers• merchandising and display to catch buyers attention and • dealing with press to increase coverage

There will also be a synopsis of the most recent consumerresearch carried out by CCoI - which will give par ticipants aninsight on the mind of the consumer - the choices they makeand why.

Places are booking fast so if you are interested in attending theworkshops please contact: Mary Whelan as soon as possible T: 056 7761804 E: maryw@ccoi.ie.

Showcase Seminar Dates Change

2007 will see a change in the stand subsidy system fornew Showcase exhibitors.

Anyone claiming a subsidy for the first time in 2007 willstar t on the new system - that is:

• 2 years subsidy - on a sliding scale • €400 in year one • € 200 in year two

Anyone in the current system (i.e. anyone that hasclaimed a Showcase subsidy in the past) remains on theexisting system - whereby the amount spread evenlyover a 3-year period (€ 200 per year).

For further information on Showcase contact:Mary Whelan at 056 7761804 or e-mail maryw@ccoi.ie

Showcase Subsidies

Opportunities15

Do you wish to have a designer working closely with your company as you embark on product development,? Then you may be

interested in participating in Avantcraft2. Bringing a designer into your company may give you that creativity kickstart. The CCoI are

currently requesting expressions of interest from both craft manufacturers and designers for Avantcraft 2.

The programme offers craft manufacturers current consumer research into the current trends and buyingpatterns in the market place. Buyer and media feedback as well as identity, branding, packaging feedback isalso given. You are assisted in finding a designer to meet your individual design needs. An experiencedProject Manager will also be on hand to advise and assist you through the process.

If you are seriously committed to developing product over a 3 year period, and need the creative input ofa design expert, the CCoI will pay for your designer over this time, and give you the market intelligence atits disposal to assist you making the best choices in your business development.

Bringing top designers and craft manufacturers together to broaden creative horizons and develop new andinnovative, market-led craft products sounds interesting in theory. See Page 1 for details on Avantcraft1,where participants have just turned the half-way mark in the project and already the results are impressive…

For further information & to applyLog on to www.ccoi.ie where you can download an expression of interest form for the next programme,commencing in mid 2007 - 2009.

Avantcraft 2 A Fusion of Craft & Design

Avantcraft 1 - Geeskemarie Harnett

Opportunities 16

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Ceramicist, Robert Lee the latest ‘Standard Setter’

Chosen by a panel of experts on behalf of the CraftsCouncil of Ireland, Robert Lee, based in Cork, is thelatest ‘Standard Setter’ to be profiled in Irish Artsreview. Congratulations to Robert!

Standard Setters is a joint initiative with CCoI and Irish Arts Review and promotes the concept of acknowledging consistency in design excellence within the craft industry.You can read about Robert in the Autumn 2006 edition of the Irish Arts Review.

For further information visit www.irishartsreview.com

Dates for your Diary *Please note: Stopress is published by the 15th day of the first month

of issue. The November/December issue of Stopress will be published

on 15th November 2006

OPPORTUNITY DIARY DATES BY/ON/CURRENTLY/TBC*

Stopress deadline for November/December issue is 13th Oct 2006

Network Information Day on 29th Sept 2006

Ecology, Mythology, Technology (NCG Exhibition) by 13th Oct 2006

Photoscheme on 17th Oct 2006

50% Scheme on 31st Oct 2006

Research Missions on 30th Nov 2006

Avantcraft 2 TBC* see www.ccoi.ie

Making it in the USA on 30th & 31st Mar 2007

Opportunities17

Geoffrey Healy - Avantcraft

SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPSShowcase Seminar (Cork) on 17th Oct 2006

Showcase Seminar (Dublin) on 19th Oct 2006

ENTERPRISE IRELAND TREND FORECAST EVENTS

Furniture Design and Market Trend Forecast on 15th Nov 2006

Womenswear Trend Forecast Spring 08 on 29th Nov 2006

CREATIVE SKILLS NET

PR & Photography on 17th & 18th Oct 2006

Visual Merchandising (Cork) on 10th Oct 2006

Visual Merchandising (Kilkenny) on 11th Oct 2006

NCG EXHIBITIONS 2006Programme for 2006 is available. Contact NCG or visit website www.ccoi.ie T: 056 7761804

Ceramic Ireland International Festival on 11th Aug - 12th Oct 2006

Emerging Ceramics on 11th Aug - 1st Oct 2006

Silver Connections on 13th Oct - 26th Nov 2006

Collectors Event on 24th Nov 2006 - 6th Jan 2007

TRADE FAIR DATES 2007

Top Drawer, London 14th - 16th Jan 2007

Scotland’s International Trade Fair, 21st - 24th Jan 2007

Maison et Objet 26th - 30th Jan 2007

Collect, V&A London 8th - 12th Feb 2007

Spring Fair, Birmingham 4th - 8th Feb 2007

Premiere Vision, Paris 20th - 23rd Feb 2007

Ceramic Art London 2nd - 4th Mar 2007

Pulse, London 3rd - 5th Jun 2007

Home & Gift, Harrogate 15th - 18th Jul 2007

For more information on the above events: T: 056 7761804 or e-mail info@ccoi.ie

Registered crafts people from Northern Ireland are eligible to participate in 50% Scheme, Portfolio, Photoscheme,

Highlightimportant

dates on your calendar

STICKERSlocated on

back of CCoI Calendar

Don’t Miss...'The Rhythm of Life' - Norwegian Silver Jewellery,

Cork Public Museum 21st September - 21st October 2006

Advertisements 18

Contents of pottery workshop. Includes wheels,kilns, pugmills, trolleys, raw materialsetc. Everything needed for complete workshop.For further information contact

E: stonewarejackson@eircom.net

Glenmarkra floor loom,four shaft, weaving width 31", alsowarping mill, reeds, raddle, stretcherand large amount of wool (Navanand finer). €1,000. For further

information contact

Jean T: 01 2956260.

Weavers Toika Hand LoomCountermarch 152 x 125 cmscomplete with 2 reeds, raddle, beamcloth, stool and instruction book.Excellent condition. Easy to set-up€1,500. For further information

T: 01 2819443

Woodworking machines(3-phase) & native hardwood(c.150cu.ft., Walnut, Sycamore,Cherry, etc.) for sale due to businessclosure. For further information

contact T: 087 22 49 625

E: ravenfurniture@eircom.net

Sedgwick/SM4 SpindleMoulder 3 Phase / GoodCondition, €1,200.00. Pad Sander - 8ft Bed Single Phase / GoodCondition, €1,000. Scheppach TableSaw, Single Phase €350. For

further information contact

Joseph at: T: 021 4771759

E: joseph@josephwalshbespoke.com

Electric Potters Wheel.Model-Cowley double drive Type6340. As new condition. Spare wheelhead with pin drive for batts €550or nearest offer. Wexford area.For further information

T: 087 6687869

40 x 12.5 kg bags 1117MBuff Stoneware at €6.20 per

bag. Fireclay based, stoneware body

for domestic ware.Throws well,

turns easily. Plastic, strong and

reliable. For further information

contact Andrea T: 085 7317501

or 059 9724789

Are you interested in taking

over some, or all, of a small

Silk-painting business with

several areas of potential growth,

and with the possible option of

renting a studio in south Dublin.

The present business includes: direct

sales, craft supplies and adult classes.

For further information contact

Valerie at T: 01 4930575

M: 085 7340000

16 Shaft AVL Dobby Loom160cm/60" weaving width Fly

shuttles, two boxes, two beams

(one sectional), automatic advance

system, computer capability includes

accessories. Built in bench. Manuals

included. Excellent condition. Sale

due to career change and house

move. £3,500. Also available: 6'

warping mill, 3m circumference

£200.Tapestry loom: £300

For further information contact

Daphne McGuigan

T +44 (0) 28 4482 8415

E: daphnenelson@hotmail.com

Pottery Kiln, K and F 15.8 cu ft.

top loader with original controller,

furniture and spare set of elements,

5 years old, excellent condition

€3000. For further information

contact Sun Ceramics

T: 086 8172988

Electric kiln 16 cubic ft

toploader. Cromartie workhorse,

including shelves, controller etc.

Excellent condition. Might exchange

for similar but smaller plus balance.

For further information contact

T: 085 1622721

Fibres for spinning and felt making.

Top quality silk and wool tops.

Gaywool dyes perfect for dyeing

wool and silk. Ashford weaving

and spinning equipment. For further

information contact Suzie

Sullivan T: 098 21888 or

E: suzie@derryauncrafts.com

W: www.derryauncrafts.com

Ratcliffe belt wheel excellent

condition, top loading kiln 7.5

cb ft. single phase cromarite ctl200b

excellent condition and bentrup

ct405 controller for kiln as new.

For further information contact

John at T: 071 9183838 or

E: oriainpottery@hotmail.com

Ceramic Designer wanting to

share ceramic studio in the

Wexford/Waterford/Kilkenny area

(within 15 mile radius of New Ross).

For further information contact

Sandra Cullen T: 087 7762987

E: sanneijc@gmail.com

Passap 6000 electronicknitting machine for sale. 5

gauge includes motor and full design

software package (compatible with

windows 98 and floppy disc reading

computer) €1000 o.n.o.

For further information

contact T: 087 7507506

E: liadainb@hotmail.com

Brother KH260 knittingmachine new or little used.

For further information contact

Anne T: 087 9697391

Bright studio space for rent in

Rhode, Co Offaly. Available

immediately. Cost €350 per month,

includes rent, light and heat.

For further information contact

Michelle T: 087 2747504,

E: info@glasshammer.ie

Large workshop space to

share with potter. Rent negotiable.

Lanesborough, Co.Longford. For

further information contact

Mary Clarke T: 087 6306348

Beautiful loft space (22 x 5.5

m) to let/lease in Grennan Mill,

Thomastown, Kilkenny, overlooking

River Nore. Former showroom of

'Cloth of Gold' couture company.

Fully equipped for commercial

business, including heating. Floor

below, same size, also available. Rent

negotiable, according to needs.

For further information contact

T: 087 923 8102

Channels to Market Seminar Ormeau Baths Gallery28th September 2006Designed specifically for designer

-makers, the Channels to Market

seminar is a unique opportunity to

develop a tailored portfolio of

marketing expertise.The focus of

the seminar is to develop and

manage market opportunities

through the following channels

STUDIO SPACE

OPPORTUNITIES

WANTED

FOR SALE

Advertisements19

- retail & trade fairs, galleries &

specialist retailers, direct selling

opportunities, commissions.Detailed presentations delivered byexperienced designer-makers andmarketing experts, bespoke advice,together with the offer of subsidisedphotography and editorial supportand opportunities to meet othermakers, share experiences and build contacts are just some of thehighlights of the day. Leading expertswill offer practical advice on how to:

• find the best mix of channels foryour business

•present your business to thevarious channels

•make these different channelswork for your business

For further information contact

T: +44 (0) 28 90323059

E: info@craftni.org

W: www.craftni.org ‘programmes’

section.

Developing Rural Creativity conference, 26th & 27th October 2006 in the Ramada Hotel,Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, presentingexamples of innovative creativeindustries, community cultural capital and other arts projects nowdeveloping in rural and farming communities throughout Ireland andEU LEADER + networks. It will alsoencourage the powerful urban arts,media and design sectors to recognise and respond to the newbusiness opportunities, cultural partnerships and creative challengesnow open to them in the rural sector. Key speakers from theCreative Industries field in the UKand Northern Ireland as well as keylocal speakers will attend.For further information contactJacinta Freeman, Source rural creativity T: +353 71 9646186 E: jacinta@ruralcreativity.com

The Mergo Tourism Networkis a vibrant, dynamic learning network for Tourism and Hospitalityenterprises in the South and SouthEast of the country - developed todrive the capabilities of local businessto cluster together and build betterbusinesses.This Fáilte Ireland programme is developed and delivered by Waterford Institute ofTechnology School of Business.The content for this innovative programme is driven by the participating 141 businesses, who are drawn from the craft, activity,cultural, food, transport and accommodation sectors across both regions. For further informa-tion contact either Anne-Marie T: 051 845636, or Shirley T: 021 4326489 W: www.mergo.ie

Tús Craft Design offers youthe opportunity to exhibit your latest work in their exhibition areaadjoining their retail Craft DesignGallery in the magnificent BridgeMills in Galway City. For furtherinformation contact T: 091 532500E: tuscraftdesign@eircom.net W: www.tus-craftshop.com

Hidden Art Forum at Bloombergon 27th September 2006.TheForum on Exploring Innovationbrings together specialist speakers to discuss how young creativebusinesses or designers making theirown goods can best produce andmarket their work. Confirmed speakers include Sir George Cox,Matteo Alessi and Mark Holmes ofEstablished & Sons. Cost - £10,others £15.For further information seewww.hiddenartlondon.co.uk/forum2006

Well establishedcraft/Interiors business with 10 years goodwill for sale or to

lease. Based in Enniskerrry Village,

Co Wicklow. For further

information contact Alison

T: 01 2866820 M: 087 2849438

Dublin City EnterpriseBoard Export MarketingInitiative Fund Are you in

business and seeking to develop

overseas markets? Our Export

Marketing Initiative Fund can assist

you.The fund can part-fund the cost

of travel & subsistence,Trade Fair

attendance/Exhibiting, and the

creation of marketing material

specifically for overseas markets.

Commercial Website Development

Grant Dublin City Enterprise

Board is making available website

development funding for small

businesses. Deadline for applications:

Friday 17th November 2006 Early

applications are advised.

For further information contact

T: 01 677 6068 or W: www.dceb.ie

Part-time Sales Agentrequired for busy team to prepare

sale for Christmas season (CLAY

ANGELS). Percentage wage, various

hours. For details logon to

www.tibroteam.com

Sales Agent required for small

knitwear company may compliment

agents existing ranges. For further

information contact Patsy

T: 087 2406199

Agent required to expose high

quality range of slate giftware to the

market place. Experience in sales

a distinct advantage. Immediate

start for suitable candidate.

For further information

contact Paul T: 086 8257008

Production Potter required.

For growing pottery in West Kerry.

Experience essential. Contact

Zac T: 066 9157848.

E: zac@annascaulpottery.com

Jeweller seeks work ingoldsmithing. I have studied

secondary school of applied art in

goldsmith section in the Czech

Republic. I have design skills and can

do filigree, embossing, and can work

with bohemian garnet and fix other

precious stones. I have worked mainly

in silver but I also have experience

working with gold. I live in Portadown

and I'd like to apply for a job in

goldsmithing. Contact Lenka

Sauerova E: lenules@seznam.cz

Christmas Fair 2nd - 9thDecember St. Herblain, asuburb of Nantes, the 4thlargest city in France.Participating in this trade fair will beexhibitors from Kazalac, Bulgaria;Villedecans, Spain and theWaterford South East Region. Wehave secured anchor tenants for thestands, i.e, Failte Ireland; Molloy'sPork and Bacon Food exporters;Flanagan's Fish Merchants and gastronomy stands.The shoppingmall in which the exhibition will takeplace has a weekly footfall of330,000 persons. Anchoring thisshopping mall is the world famousIKEA store.The price of the standswhich can be shared, are €1250approx. For further information contact Irina Guerra, TheChamber of Commerce, Nantes

E: irina.guerra@gmail.com or

Cllr. Davy Walsh, Monica Leech,

Waterford Chamber Commerce,

Bill Rafter, Waterford City

Enterprise Board.

WORK WANTED

PLACEMENTS/JOBOPPORTUNITIES

STANDSAVAILABLE

Advertisements 20

Christmas Craft & FoodFair, Sunday, 3rd December 2006 at the Great Southern Hotel,Killarney from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.Thecraft fair will feature up to 100 stallswith a variety of handmade IrishCrafts.There will also be a hugeselection of real home producedfood and cooking includingChristmas cakes.This is an annualevent and is linked to Christmas InKillarney which is a festival that theKillarney Chamber of Tourism &Commerce has planned for themonth of December. Cost of Table€60. For further information

contact Paul on T: 087 6997872

E: paulsherry@eircom.net

Flair is a brand new retailChristmas show at the Kings HallComplex, Belfast running from 24th- 26th November 2006.The show isdesigned with quality in mind andaims to promote the very best indesign-led craft and applied arts inIreland.The core exhibitors havingnow been selected for the show, butthere is a limited amount of availabilityleft for quality work within specificdisciplines.The selection panel isscheduled to sit again on 29thSeptember and 27th October.For further information contact

Nicky or Orla

T: ++44(0)28 9042 2274

E: nicky@showingflair.com

Fota House & Gardens,Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork. Christmas

Craft Fair 17th - 19th November

Emphasis on quality and originality.

For further information contact

Kay Ryan T: 021 4815543

Marlay House ChristmasCraft Fair 24th - 26th November

2006. Applications from potential

exhibitors are now welcome.

To receive an application form

contact Sonya Ewen Marlay

Park Craft Courtyard Grange

Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16

T: 087 675 33 58

E: marlaycraftfair@hotmail.com

Clare Crafts AssociationChristmas show 2006 schedule:

10th - 12th November & 17th

December,Templegate Hotel, Ennis,

Co. Clare 19th November, Lakeside

Hotel, Killaloe, Co. Clare

26th November, Lady Gregory

Hotel, Gort, Co. Galway.These will

be "selected" shows to ensure

quality. For further information

and application, contact Terry

Crichton T: 061 925172,

E: tcrichton@eircom.net.

An exhibition of New Paintingsby Angie Grimes and New

pieces by Wood Turner Emmet Kane.

1st - 30th September,The Bridge

Gallery, 6 Upper Ormond Quay,

Dublin 7. Opening Hours :

Monday - Saturday 10am to 6pm,

Sunday 2pm to 5pm. For further

information contact Deirdre

Carroll T: 01 872 9702

Ceramics Ireland ExhibitionThe richness of expression inspired

by working with clay is celebrated in

a juried exhibition at Dalkey Castle

Gallery, Castle Street, Dalkey, Co.

Dublin. The exhibition will be

officially opened by Wendy Grant on

Wednesday 11th October at 6pm

and runs until Sunday 22nd October.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday

9.30am - 5.00 pm. Saturday and

Sunday 11.00am to 5.00 pm

T: 01 285 8366. For further

information please contact Vicki

Sutherland at 087 9845176 or

01 2987067 E: murraynz@clubi.ie

Sculpture In Context 2006at the National BotanicGardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.7th Sept - 20th Oct 2006.

Sculpture in Context is the largest

outdoor sculpture exhibition in

Ireland. Each year a different panel of

selectors is invited to adjudicate this

open exhibition, leading to an exciting

mix of mediums and styles.

Participating Artists this year include

Cathy Carman, Maria Casey, Cliodna

Cussen, Michael Duhan, Orla

Kaminska, Eileen MacDonagh,

Eamonn O’Doherty, Deirdre Rogers,

Killian Schurman, Brigid Teehan.

The National Botanic Gardens are

located 3 kms North of Dublin city

centre, 10 minutes by bus from

O’Connell Street (Nos.13 and 19)

Opening hours: Weekdays 9.00am

- 6.00pm Sundays10.00am - 6.00pm,

Admission Free. For further

information please see

www.sculptureincontext.com

or contact Ana Duncan

T: 087 6258258

E: anaduncan@eircom.net

SOURCE developing rural creativity - trainingprogramme for Autumn ‘06 ‘The Art of Start’ - a business

start-up programme specially

designed with creative businesses in

mind Sligo 13th Sept, 27th Sept,

11th Oct, 25th Oct, 8th Nov

‘Step Up (no longer a busy fool)’

- Designed for creative business with

at least a year’s experience, this

course distills what has been learned

about working in and with the

creative industry over the last ten

years. Leitrim 6th Sept, 20 Sept,

4th Oct, 18th Oct, 1st Nov

‘Get Your Spark Back’ - One day

workshops which aim to help you

re-find your creative spark, rejuvenate

your passion, and blast some fresh

air through your business 14th Sept,

Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, 12th Oct

Ck-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, 16thNov Strandhill, Co. Sligo. 5th Oct,Ballintrillick, Co. Sligo.‘Fashion the Future’ is a two-dayworkshop looking at two key areasof innovative design. Product Design& Product Dev 20th & 21st SeptCo. Sligo ‘Trend Forecasting’ is a fascinatingand exciting opportunity to learnabout the way that international catwalk trends can impact on localdesign businesses. 19th Sept Co.Fermanagh, 19th Oct Co. Leitrim,20th Oct Co. Sligo‘Perform Beyond Expectation’

- innovative training which uses theatre-based techniques to improveperformance in areas like selling andpresentation skills. Selling SkillsWorkshop Sligo 25th Sept &Presentation Skills Workshop Sligo 23rd Oct.There will also be aseries of one-off workshops coveringareas of Finance (taxation),Photography, Approaching galleries,Production Management in theTheatre and others. StartingSeptember 2006. For further infor-

mation please contact The Source

Office T: +353 (0) 71 9646186 or

E: source@ruralcreativity.com

Autumn/winter workshop program at Derryaun Crafts,to include, Right angle bead weaving,wire work, dyeing, 3D needle felting(Christmas decorations), jewellerymaking, felted jewellery, dyeing andsilk paper making. For further

information please contact Suzie

Sullivan T: 098 21888,

E: suzie@derryauncrafts.com

W: www.derryauncrafts.com

Ben Russell's 3-dayIntroduction toWoodcarving workshops.6th - 8th Oct (follow-up),18th - 20th Oct, 10th - 12th Nov.Learn about tools, timber, planningand executing carvings.This is acomprehensive foundation workshop.An accommodation list is available.Cost: €335, (bring a friend for€305). For further information

contact T: 027 66133

E: courses@benrussell.info

W: www.benrussell.info

EXHIBITIONS

WORKSHOPS/COURSES

Advertisements21

Mourne Textiles LTDHandloom weaving workshop. Rostrevor, Co. Down.Weekend or 5 day couses available10.00am - 4.30pm. 10th - 12th or20th - 24th Nov. Cost: £275 for 5days or £175 for 3 days. Lunch isprovided and all yarns and equipmentare included in the price. Maximumof 6 people. We require a £50deposit on booking. For further

information contact

T: +44 (0)28417 38373/72204

M: +44 (0)7890994002

E: karen@mournetextiles.com

W: www.mournetextiles.com

Designed 4U presentationboxes for a range of gifts andcrafts. All boxes are made to customer requirements.Your company logo can be included onthe box and it can be lined using arange of materials. No minimumorder. No set-up fee. For furtherinformation contact: DeclanMcKenna, Designed 4U T: +44 (0)28 30850122 F: +44 (0)28 30851011 E: info@designed4u-ireland.com

Jem textiles are agents for

Bennetts Silks in Ireland, offering

a comprehensive range of silks,

e.g. dupions, satins, georgette, chiffon,

crepes & velvets in an extensive

range of colours, suitable for bridal,

fashion & interiors, and at competitive

wholesale prices. For further

information please contact Jacinta

T: 059 9152270 M: 087 9952489

or E: jemtextiles@eircom.net

Craft Supplies Websitewww.craftsupplies .ie cardmaking,

scrap booking and other craft

supplies. Includes crafter’s forum.

Ships all over Ireland.

For further information

contact E: info@craftsupplies.ie

Adorn.ie. Cardmaking,

Scrapbooking and Jewellery

making supplies for all your

crafting needs. Create your own

Wedding Invites or choose from our

range of Wedding Stationary.

For further information contact

Marcella T: 061 327857

W: www.adorn.gencodesigns.com

Original Celtic & Irishcross stitch patterns for sale.

Designed and produced by hand.

Currently selling very well within

the USA, Canada, Australia, New

Zealand and UK - wholesale orders

welcome (especially within

Ireland). Popular designs, made-to-

order designs, coat of arms patterns

and much more. For further

information contact Stephanie

E: crossstitch@celticobsessions.com

or W: www.celticobsessions.com

Packaging - WoodenPresentation/GiftwareBoxes Present your exquisitely

handmade quality jewellery in our

top of the range handcrafted wood-

en boxes created from native and

exotic woods. Commissions also

available. Discount on batch

purchases. For more information

please contact Ian or Kate on

T: +44 (0) 28 90843532 or

E: ian@hawthornecrafts.com

or E: kate@hawthornecrafts.com

W: www.hawthornecrafts.com

Dublin Docklands "12 Days ofChristmas", Market event is nowin its 3rd Year. 11th - 22nd December

with 2 preview days on 9th & 10thDecember. Opening times are 12noon to 8pm. The Market is an outdoor event held on a floatingplatform on Georges Dock in theIFSC.The theme is modelled on thetraditional Bavarian ChristmasMarket with Mulled wine and CarolSinging. Stalls are 3m x 3m unitsstarting at €85 per day. For furtherinformation contact E: festivaladmin@eircom.net or by post to VSC Events Ltd,80 Merrion Village, Dublin 4.

“Glimakra” Standard loom135 cms, countermarch tie-up withraddle, double warp beam and flyshuttle. Warping Mill Vertical floormodel 1.88 meters high and 4 metrecircumference. Some tools and yarn.Price €3,500 ono. For furtherinformation contact T: 065 7087153 E: mandrquinn@iol.ie

Extended House SittingAvailable Professional Artist andfamily looking to care for yourhome, your pets & plants, etc., for 4-12 months (flexible). Starting Dec06/Jan 07. Former builder (with electrician's and plumber's skills)teamed with a Garden Goddess and animal magnet will maintain your home so that it thrives in yourextended absence.We have excellentmanagement and problem solvingskills and would love to chat withyou further about accommodatingyour needs. For further informationcontact: Michael Terra 1995 FerryRoad, Lopez Island,WA 98261 USA.E: michael@terracottage.biz T: 01-518-858-3605

SUPPLIERS

ACCOMMODATION WANTED

MISC

To submit your opportunity

to the CCoI website (Crafts

Events, Stands, Fairs, etc.)

please forward 70 words

maximum including contact

details) to info@ccoi.ie and

mark it for Web Opportunities

Michael McCrory, Silver Connections

Exhibition Snapshots - NCG 22

Owen Quinlan

Sinead Lough & Guest

Gus Mabelson (CCoI Trainer) & Lorna Kavanagh

Januscz Siporski & Guest Adam Buick

Helen DalyKaren Morgan Caroline Doran & Guest

pottery Design & Skills Graduate Show

23 National Craft Gallery - News

Crafts Council of Ireland’sPottery Design & Skills Course ExhibitionA wonderful showcase by graduates of the CraftsCouncil of Ireland’s Pottery Design and Skills course.

11 students spent two years working and designing with

the most natural of materials - clay.Tutor Gus Mabelson

guided them through this internationally recognised

two-year programme and selected the final pieces. And

whether it was functional ware, one-off designs or

sculptural forms, the quality of work was exceptional. Even

more exceptional was the public reaction to the work.

As soon as doors of the gallery opened in July, visitors

swarmed in to pick up some of the beautiful, exciting and

inspired work these students had produced - achieving

record sales for any graduate show to-date. On the

opening evening alone, most of the work had sold. If this

response is anything to go by, all of the pottery graduates

have exciting careers ahead of them.

15 Top Designer Makers to exhibit at SOFANavy Pier, Chicago10 November – 12 November 2006

Chicago’s Annual Exposition of Sculptural Objects andFunctional Art is one of the key international art fairs for contemporary craft and applied art. Almost 100 internationalgalleries and dealers display work that ‘bridges the decorativeand fine arts’. This is a collector’s paradise - presenting forsale one-of-a-kind masterworks that will last a lifetime.

This year, for the 13th annual SOFA Chicago, the Crafts Council of

Ireland will present the work of our leading artists. Curator Brian

Kennedy has chosen daring, innovative and beautifully crafted pieces in

glass, textiles, wood, metal and ceramics. Showcasing the very best

Ireland has to offer will establish a profile for Irish craft and help achieve

international representation for our makers.

Last year over 35,000 people attended the three-day event and this

year many of those will have their first experience of just how desirable

contemporary Irish craft can be. The Crafts Council of Ireland are

dedicated to raising the international profile of Irish craft. SOFA Chicago

is part of an ongoing policy of the promotion of Irish work in the US,

following on from Loot New York, Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft

Fair and Forty Shades of Green in Memphis.

More information at W: www.sofaexpo.com

List of Exhibitors

Metal Furniture

Seamus Gill Joseph Walsh

Kevin O’Dwyer Laura Mays

Richard Kirk Calligraphy

Jewellery Denis Brown

Sonja Landweer Baskets

Angela O’Kelly Joe Hogan

Inga Reed

Alan Ardiff

Wood

Liam Flynn

Roger Bennett

Glenn Lucas

Ceramics

Cormac Boydel

Caroline Doran

For further information on the National Craft Gallery:

T: 056 7761804 E: ncgpress@ccoi.ie

W: www.ccoi.ie

The National Craft Gallery is open Monday to Saturday from

10am to 6pm and Sundays 11am to 6pm.Admission is free.

Ang

ela

O’K

elly

Upcoming Exhibitions - NCG 24

All notices and advertisements are published in Stopress for general information purposes only,at the risk of the advertiser and at the discretion of the Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI). CCoImake no representations or warranties about any of the information contained in any notice oradvertisement and accept no responsibility for the accuracy of any information contained in a noticeor advertisement. Advertisements in Stopress do not indicate endorsement by CCoI. It is theresponsibility of the reader to check that goods and services are described fully and accurately.

CCoI expressly excludes liability for direct or indirect consequential loss or damage which mayarise in respect of Stopress or purchase of the goods and services.

CCoI does not accept any responsibility for or necessarily endorse the views expressed by thirdparty contributors to Stopress.

All copyright, database rights, trade mark design rights and any other intellectual property rightswhatsoever in Stopress are, owned by and the property of CCoI.

Crafts Council of Ireland, Castle Yard, Kilkenny t: 353 56 7761804 f: 353 56 7763754e: info@ccoi.ie www.ccoi.ie

FOR NATIONAL CRAFT GALLERY NEWS TURN TO PAGE 23

The copydate for the Nov/Dec issue of Stopress is October 13th 2006.Publication date is 15th November 2006.

Advertising in Stopress is free and is welcomed. Submissions for articles fromcraftspeople and those interested in craftare also always welcome.Please contact:

StopressCrafts Council of Ireland t. 056 7761804 e:stopress@ccoi.ie

While every care has been taken in the compilation of this Stopress, the publisher cannot take responsibility for errors or omissions

SILVER CONNECTIONSNational Craft Gallery

13th October - 26th November 2006

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Silver Connections celebrates the work of acclaimed silversmiths and applied artists Michael McCrory, Deirdre McCrory and their daughter Cara Murphy.What is uniqueabout this work is not only the fact that it was created by one family, but, the cutting edge design and mastery of materials it displays.

Acclaimed silversmith Michael’s designs are founded on balance of line, form and proportion. He has recently been using innovative digital technology and this newwork is based on his current research into deep drawing and pressing of silver plate. Deirdre is renowned for her mastery of fine line and control over the etching and enamelling processes. Her work reflects her inherent visual empathy with detail and natural form that manifests itself in intricate enamel plaques and on the printed image.

Focussing on the ‘landscape of tableware’, Cara’s organic, tactile work epitomises her skill, refinement and creativity as a leading silversmith.This body of work has seena move away from highly functional objects as she focuses on form; ‘drawing’ with her materials. The one constant throughout all of this work is silver, which providesa thread of continuity, binding the work of the three artists. Curated by Danae Kindness, Silver Connections combines material, craftsmanship and vision to make thiswork a major tour de force.

Two generations, three applied artists, one hundred years of experience. The National Craft Gallery opens its doors to an

extraordinary family who have joined forces to create this stunning exhibition.

For further information on the National Craft Gallery:

T: 056 7761804 E: ncgpress@ccoi.ie W: www.ccoi.ie

The National Craft Gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sundays 11am to 6pm . Admission is free

Michael McCrory Deirdre McCrory Cara Murphy