The Crafty Alley Shop

New Workshop Schedule Autumn 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:00:00 +0000

New Workshop Schedule Autumn 2012

We are delighted to announce the new Crafty Alley Workshop schedule starting September 2012 in Cathy Giles new art studio in Castlemaine Co. Kerry.

All workshops can be booked by emailing cathy@craftyalley.com or by calling 0866002173. We look forward to creating with you this Autumn.

Full payment in advance secures place. All places are limited.
No refund for cancellations however credit can be given towards other classes.

Parent and Toddler Art and Craft Workshops

Every Friday Morning for 6 weeks from 10am to 11pm €50. Starts Friday 21st September

Spend fun and creative quality time with your toddler in a relaxed environment. Let us worry about the mess and you can concentrate and creating together.

Over the 6 week block we will use a variety of mediums such as paint, chalk, paper, beads, button and many more. You and your child will create a portfolio of art and crafts which will be a keepsake and the end of the course.

Meet other parents and let your child socialise with other children in this unique environment.

Children's Art and Craft Workshops

Every Saturday Morning for 6 weeks starting 15th September €40 per child

Juniors age 5 to 7 - 10am to 11.15
Older children 8 to 12 - 11.30 to 12.15

Following on from the very successful children's workshops that were run in Killarney for four years, The Crafty Alley Shop is delighted to be now running these workshops from Cathy's new art studio in Castlemaine, Co. Kerry.

The subjects that will be covered in this 6 weeks are Mosaic, Puppet Making, Silk and Fabric Painting, Life Drawing and Rock Painting

The Creative Entrepreneur - Starting and Developing a Creative Business in Ireland

6 weeks course commencing Monday the 17th September. 19.30 to 21.00PM. Cost is €75 per person.

Designed by Cathy with her marketing, education and creative background this is a business course tailored to creatives.

Over the 6 weeks crafters and artists will go on a journey to turn their talent and skill into a revenue generating occupation. We will explore marketing and business plans with an emphasis on social media marketing and getting online and craft market ready. This is an ideal time to prepare for what is the biggest selling period for handmade items - Christmas! This course hopes to motivate and inspire you to take control of your business.

The Creative Journey

6 week course commences Tuesday 18th September from 19.30 to 21.00
Cost is €60 per person

This is not a painting and drawing class! This is a workshop to help unleash the creativity inside you. This workshop will take you on a journey to reconnent and discover your creativity in a fun, practical and respectful environment.This course will not only benefit your creativity skills but enhance other areas in your life such as goal setting, problem solving and interpersonal skills. This course will include activities such as mind mapping, collage, art journaling, altered art and creative writing but no prior skills are needed to participate in this course.

Beginners Knitting
6 Week Course commences Wednesday 19th September from 7pm to 8pm
Cost is €50 per person which includes wool, needles and patterns to start with

We will cover all of the basics of knitting including pattern reading, choosing the correct wool and needles, cast on, knit and purl stitch, basic shaping and cast off. The aim of this 6 week course to complete a basic pattern from start to finish.

Creativity and Coffee Mornings
Run every Tuesday morning from 10am to 12pm. €5 per person
Commences Tuesday 18th September

This is a brand new and exciting project being set up by Cathy. This is a drop in creative morning. Bring your knitting, your embroidery, your sketch book, your journal and create with new friends whilst listening to good music and enjoying fresh coffee, tea and home baked healthy snacks. No need to book just turn up and inspire and be inspired.

This is not a taught workshop it is a friendly, social and networking morning with creative friends. Adults only.

Heavy hearts and closing the shop

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:37:00 +0000

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this blogpost. We have decided to close The Crafty Alley Shop in Killarney. This has been one of the hardest decisions I have have had to make and has come about for many different reasons. We opened the shop four years ago not long after moving to Kerry. My passion was always creativity and when I moved to Kerry I decided I wanted a job that would allow me the flexibility to be a Mum, earn a living and pursue my own creativity. Our family has grown since with two more arrivals the youngest being just weeks old. It has been hard, too hard trying to balance the shop with family life and my own personal goals. It's a very very (and once more Very) tough time to be a retailer. The costs of running the shop are immense and a huge pressure and at the minute it just does not seem viable. Without a doubt the best part of the last four years in the shop have been the people, the customers, staff and colleagues and friends I have met a long the way. Communities and friendships have been created through the shop be it in one of our classes, groups or in the wide online artistic community. The part I always enjoyed most was being in the shop serving the customers. But as our family has grown in the last four years that's been the part which has been hardest to achieve. Even though I have been working mostly behind the scenes day and night on the shop I have missed being in the shop behind the counter. I have been lucky to have dedicated and amazingly creative staff to help me but it has come to a time where I have to concede to the fact that it is no longer financially or personally viable for us to continue on for now in the shop in Killarney. Instead I am going to enjoy every second of watching my three babies grow and try and create a working life nearer home. We will be putting our hearts, souls, brains and creativity into our online shop and community and I will continue to teach arts and crafts on a more adhoc basis as well as continue with my own art practice. So our last day of trading in Killarney will be Saturday the 18th February. Our shop closure sale will commence next Saturday the 4th February. We urge you to take the opportunity of our biggest ever sale to stock up on your paints, canvasses, needles, threads and craft materials. I will continue to keep the blog to journal the experience of closing the shop and create a new existence for the business. I have written this post very fast as I wanted you to read for yourselves why we are closing. I'll end it for now by asking for your support through the next few tough weeks and by saying thank you so much for your friendship, support and custom through the last few years. I still pinch myself when I think of how lucky I am to work with the most creative people in Kerry and beyond. Cathy

Customer Appreciation Evening

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:24:00 +0000

To say a big thank you for your continuos support, custom, inspiration and friendship, we are hosting a customer appreciation evening on Thurs 17th Nov from 5pm to 8pm.

This will be a social evening of creativity and inspiration

Mulled wine and nibbles, raffles and competitions, Music, Art and Craft demonstrations, Children and Adult Christmas Gift Ideas (including new ranges)

If anyone would like to demonstrate or display their art or craft on the night we will have some limited space available so please drop me a line and we will try and allocate you some space.

***Special discounts on the night***

Please RSVP to shop@craftyalley.com or by calling 0646630800 or by accepting the Facebook Event request.

Interview with Tina Reed, oil painting artist

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:09:00 +0000

Q.1 When did you first discover your creativity?

IT was the subject I enjoyed the most at school. Ive always earned a living by the paint brush! First in textile desing, then as a muralist, now as a landscape artist

Q.2 What is the art / craft that you most enjoy and why?

Oil painting. I also really enjoy making things, all types of craft and baking too

Q.3 How much time do you spend a week on your practice?

20- 30 hours

Q.4 Where do you like to work/ create the most?

My studio at home at the foot of the Paps

Q.5 Who inspires you creatively and why?

I think nature and beautiful landscapes inspire me more than a particular person. For example when I see strong light though the trees, catching on a rippling stream, shadows and contrasting colour...

Q.6 Do you set yourself creative goals?

Yes! Often more than I can achieve. I have so many paintings in my head that I haven’t got to yet.

Q.7 What is your proudest creative achievement to date?

A large painting over a metre square, of a woodland scene that is currently in an exhibition in Central London

Q.8 Do you believe that social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Blogs etc. are important for promoting your work and what opportunities have they presented for you?

I do think theyre important and its made a difference for me having a facebook page

Q.9 What advice would you give to somebody wanting to make a business from their art / craft?

Be prepared to work hard and not to give up. Have something a bit different, but it has to be something people actually want and can use or live with when its hanging on their walls- I find big disturbing abstract paintings don’t sell as well as relaxing woodland scenes!

Q.10 What have you most enjoyed about your creative journey to date and what are you most looking forward to over the next 12 months.

Doing a job that I enjoy...and never doing a days ‘work’- lucky me! More painting. Hoping to do some more large scale work where I can really lay on the paint and build up big textures

Q.11 Finally, what does it mean to you to pass on your skills and experience through teaching?

Its a privilege to see people discover what they can do, and be part of their joy. Its also wonderful to meet so many people.

Daisies at Dingle By Tina Reed

Where you can find out more about Tina Reed

www.tinareedart.com

www.killarneyartholidays.com

Back Lane Gallery Blog

*** We are delighted to announce that we upcoming oil painting workshops with Tina Reed at The Crafty Alley Shop. You can book a place online here or by calling the shop on 0646630800. Please note Tina keeps her workshops numbers small to provide quality tuition so please book early to avoid disappointment. ***

Buttons

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

I am a lover of buttons. They are one of those things that make me happy, I don't know why. Buttons have so many purposes, they are functional, they are design features, they keep toddlers amused (while I am writing this post) and so on. They look just perfect stored in a clear jar, added to jewelery or stuck onto a painting.

We sell buttons for repair, for paper crafters, for seamstresses, for knitters, for students, for quilters for everyone. We have always sold buttons in our bricks and mortar shop in Killarney as they are a daily necessity for our customers. However as we are constantly adding more to the range we thought it was about time to bring our button collection to our online shop too.

You can now find a great range of buttons, everything from a crystal effect heart to beautiful coconut extra large buttons available in a stunning palette of colours to transform any garment. The coconut buttons are my particular favourites for knitted garments and accessories.

Keep an eye out as we add to our button collection over the coming months. And in the meantime have a think about how adding buttons to your projects could transform them.

Knit-a-thon for National Day of Volunteering

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:35:00 +0000

We are getting very excited about this Friday, 30th September. Normally we host our regular knitting and stitching group on Friday mornings but this Friday is extra special.

Friday the 30th September is National Day of Volunteering in Ireland and to show our support we are hosting a knit-a-thon.

Volunteer Ireland say "The aim of the National Day of Volunteering is to encourage everyone in Ireland to give volunteering a try, so that everyone can learn that - even if it’s only for a minute, an hour, or a day - volunteering can make a big difference and be a lot of fun! Read more under our ’Get Informed’, ’Get Involved,’ and ’Get Organised’ buttoms to learn more about the National Day of Volunteering and how you can get involved! ".

We thought that taking part in this event would show our support for the wonderful volunteers in Ireland, promote a local charity (Bee for Battens) and bring all the lovely knitters and crocheters in Kerry together.

You can read lots more about the knit-a-thon here but basically these events are going to be held all over Ireland on Friday and we are going to collectively try and break the Guinness World Record of the most people knitting simultaneously which currently stands at 1147. Easy right?

You can knit whatever you like on the day but we are also asking people to donate a piece knitted or in crochet (Any size or item) to donate for sale to raise funds for the local charity Bee for Battens. The donated garments will be put for sale in the shop between now and Christmas and all proceeds donated to the charity,

So all you have to do is turn up with your yarn and needles on Friday September 30th between 10am and 1pm at the shop and get knitting and crocheting, have a cuppa and meet other stitchers.

We look forward to seeing you then.

Starting or Developing a Craft Business in Ireland One Day Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:30:00 +0000

***Please note the price is €100 per person but places are limited to 6 people. Includes one days training with all materials, 10am to 4.30pm Wed 7th September 2011. Plus email follow up support and mentoring and a one hour one to one session***

Venue: Workshop Room, The Crafty Alley Shop, 6B Scotts Street, Killarney. Book by calling 0646630800 or online www.craftyalley.com

A €50 non refundable deposit is required to book place with payment in full one week before workshop. If for whatever reason the workshop is canceled we will move the workshop to another date.

Introduction

This course is aimed at people who wish to start or develop a business in Ireland in selling their handmade crafts.

Proposed Modules

1. Introduction to starting or developing a craft business

1. Motivation – what got you here and what will keep you going.

2. Goal setting – Setting achievable and challening business goals

3. Creative thinking techniques – thinking outside of the box

2. Marketing research

1. How to research your market

3. Defining your craft business marketing plan

1. Creating a brand and deciding on a product or portfolio of products to market

2. Pricing – Defining your costs and planning your profit

3. Place – This module will cover the work place

1. Working from home – the highs the lows

2. Renting a premises

3. Online market places (Etsy, Ebay etc.)

4. The Craft Fair – the who, what, why, when,where and how to take your product to the market.

5. Wholesale – selling to retail stores

6. Ecommerce website – The pros, cons and options of selling through a website

4. Promotion

1. Developing an online profile – Twitter, Facebook, Blogging

2. PR – How to get into local and national press

3. Printed advertising

4. Free advertising

5. Packaging

4. Getting Support

1. Identifying sources of support

1. Enterprise boards

2. Business networks

3. Online networks

4. Information resources

5. Crafting communities

5. Starting a business in Ireland information

1. Information sources for starting a business in Ireland

About the Facilitator

Cathy Giles has worked in training for community partnerships, private and corporate training since 2003. She holds qualifications in Marketing (DIT, CIM), Life and Business Coaching and a Bsc in Education and Training (hons) (DCU). Cathy always had a keen interest in craft businesses and in 2008 opened her own craft business in Kerry supplying the local community with both supplies and creative workshops for adults and children.

©Cathy Giles 2011

Cathy Giles, The Crafty Alley Shop, 6B Scotts Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry

Phone: 0646630800 Web: www.craftyalley.com Email: cathy@craftyalley.com

Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/thecraftyalleyshop

Twitter – www.twitter.com/craftyalleycat Blog www.craftyalley.blogspot.com

Whats been happening over here

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:41:00 +0000

Hi all,

I cannot believe it is August, did somebody steal July?

Summers here are always about planning Autumn and Winter...summer gets planned in January etc.

We restocked our wool with end of summer and beginning of winter lines, we got all our back to school bits and bobs in and we have been birthday partied out!

We were thrilled when Amélie Gagné came to teach a one day acrylic beginners class and we hope to have her back in the Autumn for another workshop.

Mairead Sharry are regular fibre and textile craft teacher was here also teaching a lovely group of Spanish Students how to felt. The all had great fun and went back to Spain with gorgeous felted bags and wall hangings.

Clare Buswell was also here teaching card making which was as usual an enormous success. We have Clare booked in again for Autumn and Winter (a special Christmas Card making Workshop).

Lots to look forward to in terms of workshops in the Autumn and Winter including Oil Painting, Acrylic Painting, Textiles, Card Making, Scrapbooking....

We'll be back with dates very soon

Cathy

Does sorry cut it?

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:15:00 +0000

Because that is how I am going to start this blog with a great big apology for not writing in so long.

The lovely Evin gave us a mention on her favourite blog posts she wrote today which made me run right over here to say yes we are still here but it has been a crazy few months and yes we have neglected the blog. Actually I am changing the "we's" to a great big "I" for the rest of this post.

So whats been going on? Well the new website to be honest, night and day and day and night. It was a major job and not without its problems. The major ones, oh you know like not accepting laser cards (did I mention MAJOR problems) have been ironed out so finally we get to start work on all of the fun stuff which is why we created a new website in the first place.

I have also being debated the whole blog thing. Our new website has an integrated blog but I have been slow to move my blogging over there as here is such familiar territory. I still have not made up my mind so please leave a comment on this with your own thoughts. What I might do is write from both places for the time being and wait for divine inspiration (or google analytics) to determine where The Crafty Alley Shop blog calls home.

Ok, I cannot tell you everything that we have been up to in one blog post but I am going to start sharing more often.

So, it feels good to be back and although I think blogging should be a labour of love rather than of necessity I will be back very soon with more.

I hope you are all good and even though I have not been writting, I have been reading and keeping up to date with some of my favourite blogs so thanks Evin, from reading yours you have brought me back to here.

Cathy

Easter Camps 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:32:00 +0000

Hi all,

Well it is nearly that time of year again. Kids off school, full of excitement about the arrival of the Easter Bunny. Well why not channel some of their excitement and inspiration into a 3 day art and craft Easter Camp at The Crafty Alley Shop in Killarney.

Book your kids into this fun and craft filled Easter camp. Kids will be getting busy cutting, drawing, painting, making, sticking and laughing. The children will get a chance to use lots of different materials and textiles and can let their imaginations run wild on their projects.

On the Tuesday of both weeks we will be doing a form of textile painting.
On the Wednesday of both week we will have Mairead Sharry in to teach felting with the children.
On the Thursday of both weeks we will have a "surprise" project which promises to be lots of fun followed by face painting.

Each week there are different projects so if your child would like to attend both weeks be assured that even though they may use similar techniques they will be working on different projects.

The price is 30 Euro for the three days which includes all materials and all craft work to take home. Each days lasts one and a half hours.

Please book a place by calling 064 6630800. As usual places are limited so book early.

THE FIRST CAMP RUNS FROM THE 19TH to 21ST APRIL

THE SECOND CAMP RUNS FROM THE 26TH to 28TH APRIL

The Crafty Alley Shop

Birthdays, workshops, craft fairs...it's all happening!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:30:00 +0000

Well here is a bit of a mega blog post just to bring you up to date with all the latest happenings.

Countdown to new website going live......

The new web shop is almost there (as in almost days away). It has take some major hard work but the site is getting to a stage where we are happy with it. We discovered in the process of putting up the products that we hold more than 12000 products. I know, scary right? But I suppose by the time you add up sheets of paper, buttons, paints, brushes, beads its not an unrealistic figure. So we are not going to be putting 12000 products on line as that is just asking for trouble. We are instead going to take baby steps and the first month will be a test period for the new site so a few of your favourites and new lines will be going up and each day we will add a few more. Anyway I hope to be giving away lots more info on this early next week so I'm not going to give away too much now

Its our birthday!

3rd Birthday Celebrations. I cant believe the shop turns three this Saturday. From a personal point of view it feels like such a milestone as I remember when we opened we never new would we see year three as it seemed so far away. Well we are glad to say that we are still here and it is because of the loyalty, friendship and support our customers have shown us not to mention our staff (big shout out to Clare and Ebony). So year three I hope is going to be a good one and maybe even the year that some our "BIG" goals are realised. Again I am dropping hints but I just don't want to jinx any plans but needless to say watch this space.

So to celebrate our 3rd Birthday there will be of course some special offers in store Saturday and Sunday. We are also hosting a scrapbooking workshop on Saturday the 19th March from 12pm to 2pm. It is 30 Euros for a whole lots of materials so book by giving us a call on 0646630800

Sunday we are hosting our very own Crafty Alley Shop Craft Fair and we are inviting our amazingly talented customers to take a table and demonstrate and hopefully sell their handmade goods. No charge to participate or to attend but if you do want to take a stand on the day please give us a call so we can allocate space.

Upcoming Workshops

We have two very exciting workshops coming up.

April 2nd 2011, Colourway Knitting Techniques with Carol Fellers

Carol is back with a very special knitting workshop especially designed for The Crafty Alley Shop. When I say especially designed I mean that Carol has actually written an exclusive pattern for the workshop!

(Sneak peak of Carol's exclusive pattern for the workshop)

Here is what Carol had to say "I’m having lots of fun putting together the colourwork class for you! I’m busy putting the finishing touches to the cowl pattern that should be a really good introduction to stranded knitting. As its knit in the round it is by far the easiest way to experiment with stranded knitting. (Plus you get an introduction to continental style knitting!) Intarsia and slip stitch colour pattern work will also get a mention."

This really is a not to miss workshop and we are thrilled to have Carol back with us. The cost is 40Euro for tuition and pattern. Yarn is sold seperately and we would appreciate it if the yarn has or is purchased from The Crafty Alley Shop. We are bringing in a new yarn especially for the class so more information on that to follow as well as needle requirements. You can read more about Carol here. Also remember that we stock some of Carol's patterns in the shop.

......................................

April 11th 2011 Make a felt bag with Mairead Sharry

The second workshop we have coming up is with the amazing talented and inspiring Mairead Sharry.

This is the third felting workshop Mairead has taught at The Crafty Alley Shop and we are thrilled to have her back. Mairead will be teaching how t make a felt bag using the wet felting technique.

Felting a bay with Mairead Sharry Monday April 11th 20100 10.30AM to 12:00PM 25 Euro including materials.

One again we are taking booking for Mairead's workshop now s please call 0646630800 to book your place. You can read more about Mairead here.

I hope that was not information overload but just had to get all the information out there.

Will be back next week with some more news so in the meantime Lá Fhéile Pádraig Shona Duit agus go raibh a mile maith agat (Happy St Patricks Day and Thank you).

Cathy

March already

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:35:00 +0000

Gosh, I cannot believe our last post was a month ago but there has been so much going on over here. SO what has been keeping us busy?

Continued development of new website
Birthday party bookings
New quilting classes with Nikki Foley - two so far this year
New products - New season Sirdar, Proarte Brushes, Fimo, Staedtler
Crafty hen party package developing
Year of Craft 2011 for Kerry - Have you done the survey yet?http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/kerrycraft
Spring summer workshop schedule planning
Craft Clubs - we have had a scrapbooking and a cardmaking (With Clare Buswell) so far
Facebook keeping us busy too

Lots of other plans going on in the background too, including big plans for our 3rd Birthday on the weekend of the 19th and 20th March.

So has your start to the year been busy too?

Crafty Hen Parties

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 22:27:00 +0000

So you are planning a hen party in Killarney and in between the pub crawls, cocktails and treasure hunts you want to do something fun and different?

Well we have just the thing for you - a Crafty Alley Hen Party Package.

You have a few options to choose from and we are happy to tailor packages to suit you. We take a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 16 in our purpose built workshop room at The Crafty Alley Shop in the centre of Killarney.

You choose an activity

1. Knitting
2. Jewelery Making
3. Scrapbooking
4. Painting

For the price of €35 per person you get all the materials required, full tuition in a relaxed fun environment with afternoon tea and cakes.

If you have more that 16 in the party you can either book two or more sessions or we can come to you (to a hotel or self catering house).

Spend some quality time with your girls, learn a new skill and most of all have some fun and make this a unique hen party. You will also have your own handmade piece of art to take away with you and to remember the weekend forever.

What one of our recent brides said about us

"After the best weekend ever in Killarney with the girls for my hen party, we made one final stop on our way to the train station..The Crafty Alley Shop. We were all a bit delicate after a very late night on the tiles so we sat back knitting, swapping gossip, drinking tea and eating cake..the perfect end to a perfect weekend! The Crafty Alley Shop was cozy and inviting, a treasure trove of unique and fun craft supplies, such a convenient location, and Cathy who looked after us was brilliant...one of the girls! And best of all, we all have our own beautiful handknitted scarves as souvenirs!"

Please book well in advance as the weekends are very busy times for us and we don't want you to be disappointed. You can pay a €100 non refundable deposit by either cash, laser or credit card.

Call 0646630800
Email shop@craftyalley.com
Facebook

We are looking forward to hosting your hen party soon.

The Crafty Alley Shop

The Crafty Alley Shop Teacher Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 09:27:00 +0000

Its Competition Time.....Yee Haw!

Did you now that teachers are some of our favourite people in the shop. They are always looking for weird and wonderful things to make their craft projects brilliant. Well we want to thank the teachers so we are going to run a very special competition just for them.

Its simple, all we want you to do is...

1. If you are a teacher (Early childcare, nursery, creche, pre school, montessori, primary, secondary, third level etc. ) then just leave a comment on our Facebook page telling us what art and craft item could you not possibly live without in your classroom. Please leave your answer under the competition comment.

2. If you are not a teacher, then let all your teacher friends know about the competition.

3. Some further information

Just one entry per person.
You must say where you teach
The goods will be sent to the school not the teachers home so on winning the school address must be made available.
Deadline for entering is 9pm Mon 31st Jan 2011
There will be three winners so therefore three prizes made up of art and craft supplies. More details to follow on the prizes.

So get entering and good luck

The Crafty Alley Shop

Meadow Lark Dusk Mini Album for Timi

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:25:00 +0000

It has been so long since I posted a mini album and as 2010 soon will be drawing to a close I thought I would post my last one. This was for Timi as part of The Scrapzville Swap.

Timi look away now as it is going in the post to you finally tomorrow but here are a few of the pages.

Brrrrr...time to put the stove on!

Cathy

Bo Bunny Noel Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 23:25:00 +0000

Hi all,

I havent had a chance to post anything about our last two kits as they sold out before they reached the web but I have managed to make up a couple of extra November kits this month as so many of you have been asking for it. These kits started shipping early last week and went out fast but the Christmas elves at the shop (managed to rustle up a couple more...thanks Eb and Clare!)

Oh and if one of each of the Bo Bunny Noel papers is not enough we also threw in some brand new Tim Holtz goodies and some stunning Prima too...We will be aalso be using this stunning collection in part of our Handmade Christmas Workshops at the shop so stay tuned for details.

We only have a couple so please email me or call the shop on 0646630800 and we will get it sent to you asap.

Here are a couple of images to show you the Christmas Scruminess in this kit!

Here is a picture of the papers in more detail from http://www.bobunny.com

You will notice that our website http://www.craftyalley.com is down this week at that is because we are soon going to be putting up our brand new website which has been in the planning and designing for months. We are almost there so keep an eye out here on the blog and of course on Facebook where most of the Crafty Alley action goes on to follow the new website updates.

Wishing you all a lovely November

Cathy

Change in class for tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:33:00 +0000

Hi all, instead of the planned Candle Making tomorrow we have decided to change it to Knitted Christmas Decorations by request! No need to book, just show up with your size 4mm needles at 12.30 am. Price will be no more than €15 and possible less!

This is a workshop for adults of 16 years and over. Prior knitting experience is required for this one.

Hope to see you there

Cathy

A Knitted Christmas Gift Workshop Sat 6th Nov

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 21:00:00 +0000

As part of The Crafty Alley Shop Handmade Christmas Gift campaign for 2010 we will commence our season of workshops this Saturday, 6th November form 12.30PM to 14.30PM. The cost of the workshop is €20 which includes materials but please bring along your own size 10mm knitting needles. We will be making this stunning Patons Curly Scarf pattern. As well as this you will take away a little knitting kit for an additional gift which can be made at home.

This workshop is limited to 6 participants so please book early by calling the shop on 0646630800 or emailing us.

Thank you

Cathy

Autum Workshops at The Crafty Alley Shop Updated

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:54:00 +0000

Hi all,

I just wanted to post the provisional Autumn Workshop Programme.

More details to follow.

***New*** Cathy's Handmade Christmas Programme
This is a new workshop I have designed to encourage people to make their own Christmas Gifts this year. At the end of the workshop as well as having beautiful finished handmade gifts, you will also have acquired new handmaking skills.

€20 per workshop

The provisonal programme is as follows

6th Nov - A Knitted Christmas Gift
13th Nov - Candle Making
20th Nov - Wall Art / Ceramic Painting
27th Nov - Christmas Cards (make up to 70 cards in two hours!)
4th Dec - Christmas Mini Book
11th Dec - Jewelry Making
18th Dec - Handmade Gift Wrap

Children's Autum Workshop Dates (11.00am to 12.15pm) €7.50pp

18th Sept
16th Oct
20th Nov
11th Dec

Adult Cardmaking Classes (2pm - 4pm) €20pp

18th Sept (finished)
27th Nov

Killarney Scrapbooking Crop

5th Sept (finished)
16th Oct (finished)
4th Dec

Dublin Crop (All provisonal dates)

11th Sept (done)
Next Dublin Crop to be confirmed

We will also be hosting a ten week Patchwork and Quilting classes by Nikki Foley, a Knitting Workshop on the 9th Oct with Carol Fellers and Oil Painting with Tina Reed on Tuesday Evenings.

(Captiva Wrap for Knitting Workshop with Carol)

I am also delighted to announce that Mairead Sharry will be doing a Felting Workshop on Monday 27th Sept from 11:00pm to 13:00pm for €20 including tuition, all materials and tea and coffee. Places limited and deposit secures place.

(Example of Felt Work by Mairead Sharry)

All of the above workshops are on a limited amount of places so book early to avoid disappointment by calling 0646630800.

Thanks

Cathy

Not to be missed!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:57:00 +0000

Hi Ladies,

Tomorrow, Saturday 21st August, Robyn Correa will be teaching our card making class here in the shop.
Now, as you know, Robyns' cards are pretty amazing and we have ONE space left!!

So, If you are free tomorrow afternoon from 2-4pm and would like to learn some of Robyns' techniques, give us a call - 064 66 30800

August kit.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:49:00 +0000

Hi Everyone,

The August kit is flying out of the shop and I just want make sure that anyone who has ordered the previous kits gets a chance to buy this one.

So, if you think you'd like one give me a call on 064 66 30800 or you can place your order on our website www.craftyalley.com

Happy scrapping ladies!

Felicia x

Autumn Workshops at The Crafty Alley Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 21:33:00 +0000

Our Autumn schedule of classes are starting to come together and I have a couple of dates already that you can put in your diary.

1. Patchwork and Quilting with Nikki Foley at The Crafty Alley Shop (running Mon mornings from Sept for 10 weeks. 2 hour class for €120. Places limited so deposit of 50% secures place. We are so delighted to have Nikki teaching at the shop.

Nikki Foley has been involved with patchwork and quilting for nearly 20 years.

A qualified teacher, she has a lot of experience with students at all levels.

She contributes to many of the patchwork magazines, and has had her work published in a series of 7 patchwork books. Also she travels around ireland to teach to groups and guilds. A number of her textile quilted pieces have been exhibited in Ireland, France, Germany , America Canada and the UK.

2. I am so over the moon to announce that knitting teacher and designer Carol Feller (www.stolenstitches.com) will be teaching a one day workshop at The Crafty Alley Shop on Saturday 9th October. Carol teaches both internationally and nationally and her stunning patterns are renowned for their unique stitching techniques. Please register your interest by emailing shop@craftyalley.com or calling us on 0646630800

3. Killarney based artist Tina Reed will also be teaching oil paining in the shop Tuesday evenings. I can personally recommend Tina's class havin attending a couple of her workshops. You can book directly with Tina and for more info visit her web site http://www.killarneyartholidays.com/

(Yep thats me in the white hat...not one of my most fashionable En Plein Air Outings ;-))

Email us at shop@craftyalley.com to reserve a place for any of the above as all places are limited.

More classes to follow!

Cathy

Cork's Pink Auction

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:32:00 +0000

Hi all,

I just wanted to let you know about a fantastic project that I am going to do and I hope you might join me too!

This year I will take part in Cork's Pink Auction .

I have copied this info directly from their blog so please take a read

The Pink Auction is a creative textile auction to raise funds for and awareness of Action Breast Cancer, a part of the Irish Cancer Society. All auction items will be pieces of high-quality textile art. The auction will be held on Sunday, the 10th of October 2010 (10-10-10) in Cork City, Ireland.

The Pink Auction
Sunday, 10 October, 2010

The Imperial Hotel, South Mall, Cork City, Co. Cork, Ireland.

Pink Auction 2010 seeks donations of high-quality, sellable textile art, including but not limited to: Crochet; Knitting; Lace; Weaving; Quilting; Felting; Batik. This can come in the form of: Fashion; Creative textile jewelry; Quilts; Blankets; Shawls; Bags; Wall hangings; Mittens.

Get Involved! It doesn't matter if you are a student in secondary school, a fashion designer, or a hobby artist, your generosity makes a difference! Here are some of the ways you can help make this event a success:

• Sew, knit, quilt, crochet, macramé, or create a creative textile piece to donate to the auction.

• Plan a ‘Make-A-Square’ event in your school, community or group of friends. These one-off events will be held all over Cork through August, giving friends and community groups a chance to knit, crochet, felt, quilt, or even silk paint or batik a square that will be part of a larger auction item.

• If you have a café, pub, restaurant, or public space offer to host a ‘Make-A-Square’ event.

• Donate clean unused yarn or fabric to be used by fibre artists to make an auction item.

• Spread the word!

If enough of us are interested we could host our very own "make a square event" and one of the Friday morning group meetings in the shop. Otherwise please feel free to make an individual piece and get in touch with the organisers by emailing PinkCork [at] gmail.com.

Also - I will give a discount to yarn being purchased for this event. More details on that to follow.

Cathy

Art and Craft Summer Camps

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:52:00 +0000

Hi all,

If you are visiting Killarney this summer or know somebody who is then you might be interested in the kids art and craft summer camps we are running.

You can book in for one class for €7.50 or 3 classes for €20. Each workshop runs from 11am to 12.15pm each day.

Here is an outline of what we will be doing but this can vary and change but will give you a good idea.

July

22nd- Card Making

23rd- Paper Bunting

24th- Painting Boxes

July

29th- Flower Boxes

30th- Bird houses

31st- Mask Making

August

5th- Vases

6th-Stone painting

7th- memory book

August

26th- Exploding box

27th- Painting Canvas

28th- Milk Carton Pencil Holders.

Face painting will be included in the Saturday workshops

So drop the kids off and enjoy a ramble around beautiful Killarney and we will ensure the kids have a fun and creative time....

Book by emailing shop@craftyalley.com or call 0646630800

Spread the word!

Thanks

Cathy

The Great Big Summer Crafty Alley Paper Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 22:17:00 +0000

Hi all,

To make room for all the new paper releases due in later this summer we are holding a vey unique 2 day paper sale across all the cardmaking and scrapbooking section.

This Sat & sun we have taken a whopping 20% off all papers and cardstocks. Also to say thank you to all our Ning, Facebook and Blog friends we are giving you guys an extra 5% off. Thats 25% is total. All you have to do is say "Sending Online Crafty Love" when buying either online at http://www.craftyalley.com/specials.php or buy phone +353(0)646630800.If you buy online we will refund the 5% extra (excluding postage) to your account.

***Please not as the sale will run simultaneously in the shop and online all papers will be sold on a first come first served basis. To avoid disappointment you can always phone in your order on 0646630800 as we will have real time stock quantities available***

So what are you waiting for - spread the online love to your friends and get stocked up on some fab paper goodies.

The sale is opened now!

http://www.craftyalley.com/specials.php

Cathy

The Crafty Alley Shop

New Workshop Schedule Autumn 2012

New Workshop Schedule Autumn 2012

Heavy hearts and closing the shop

Customer Appreciation Evening

Interview with Tina Reed, oil painting artist

Buttons

Knit-a-thon for National Day of Volunteering

Starting or Developing a Craft Business in Ireland One Day Workshop

Whats been happening over here

Does sorry cut it?

Easter Camps 2011

Birthdays, workshops, craft fairs...it's all happening!

March already

Crafty Hen Parties

The Crafty Alley Shop Teacher Competition

Meadow Lark Dusk Mini Album for Timi

Bo Bunny Noel Kit

Change in class for tomorrow

A Knitted Christmas Gift Workshop Sat 6th Nov

Autum Workshops at The Crafty Alley Shop *Updated*

Not to be missed!!

August kit.

Autumn Workshops at The Crafty Alley Shop

Cork's Pink Auction

Art and Craft Summer Camps

The Great Big Summer Crafty Alley Paper Sale!

Autum Workshops at The Crafty Alley Shop Updated