Snowy Scene From Templepatrick, Co Antrim

I took this image earlier today at the Hilton Hotel in Templepatrick, Co Antrim. It's a picture to the 1st Hole of the golf course, unfortunately it's been over 4 weeks since it has been playable and will probably a good few weeks until it sees play again. Looks picturesque though.

Compostable Bags

It really annoys me when you buy compostable bags for your food waste and they decompose before they even see the bin. How is this saying resources if you have to throw half of them away!!!

Commission Finished

I finally finished the small commission I had for a wedding present on Saturday and managed to negotiate the snow to get into Belfast to deliver it on Monday. Unfortunately it was such a rush to get it done in time I forgot to take an image of it!

Last Sunday at St George's Market before Christmas

It was the last day of Sunday trading before Christmas at St George's Market. But most probably not the best day for all the market staff who had there Christmas Party last night!

Brilliant band playing and great atmosphere, even if not as busy as we expected but there was snow on the ground.

Now looking forward to getting ready for Christmas. Belfast here I come!!!

It's Snow Business

I seem to have had a hectic couple of weeks what with making and selling at St George's Market as well as having a small glass commission to make for a wedding present for a couple getting married over Christmas.

The weather conditions are not helping either with about 18 inches of snow on the ground by this morning. But everything is finally finished and once St George's Market is over tomorrow (Weather permitting) I can at last start my Christmas shopping and getting ready for Christmas.

Professional Development: Successful Trade Event Planning

A Professional Development Day for Craft businesses and designer-makers wishing to exhibit at trade events and craft fairs.

The event will provide all the steps required to have a successful show including planning, people, promotion, display, and funding and follow up.

The day will be hosted by Clare Phillips and Michelle Bowen, specialist consultants working within the Crafts who will share their experience of the leading trade events for the crafts and design sectors within the UK and Internationally.

They will shed light on events from the buyer, commissioner and collectors perspective.

Teri Kelly PR will be advising on contacting and liaising with the press in order to maximize your profile at an event.

I attended this development programme on Tuesday and couldn't rate it any higher. It gave you all you needed to know in a very precise and informative way and well worth it for anybody thinking about exhibiting at a trade show or craft fair.
The best professional training day I have attended in a long time. Now just left with loads of homework and research and some research trips next year!

Christmas Craft Market at St George's Market

I finally managed to secure a stand at this years Christmas Craft Market at St George's Market, Belfast which was today.
What a great day and so nice to see so many people shopping and supporting local artists and crafts people, as well as allowing the customer to talk to the artist responsible for their products. I had a good day of sales and secured a small commission.
So nice to speak to people who appreciate your work and value it and the time it takes to make it! Looking forward to trading again next Sunday. Now for a little lying in the morning

Success

I have just found out that my submissions for the Christmas Exhibition at SpaceCraft in Belfast have been excepted and I will be in the exhibition, which has a preview evening tonight from 6pm - 8pm. All welcome