Lot's of Good Things in Kerry...

Bracelet by Alison Walsh, silver and turquoise

We are turning the corner into better things, I can tell!  Craft in Kerry is going from strength to strength.  We are 46 members strong in just the two months (even if everyone isn't paid up yet!) and we are on the way to getting our marketing materials ready.  Once we have that done and the banner for public events, then we will be flying as those are jobs that are generally done as needed.  I am checking out our insurance quote through Craft Council of Ireland and so we will be ready for public events by the end of April.


We have an opportunity to mix and mingle with over 200 international tour operators in Dublin for a part of the Meitheal program that is run every year by Failte Ireland.  It's a 2 day affair, but if we go up for April 4th and do the evening social and demonstrate what our unique (ahem!) tourist opportunity is and really add an entertainment factor, then we can hopefully convince some of these tour operators to buy into crafts tourism in Dingle.  I *may* have a premises sorted out, that should would be a big relief, and so it would be full speed ahead marketing the sessions.  Please post a comment below with ideas for the name of the sessions as "drop-in sessions" sounds rather like a dentist appointment!  I will need to know who is interested in teaching and hopefully we can get crafts sessions up and going in other areas of Kerry in the near future.  These sessions are for visitors and locals alike, run on four hour sessions (10-1 and 2-6pm) twice a day a couple times a week.  I have hesitated to think of filling the schedule too much as I want to leave the space open for members to teach a day-long workshop.  It will be easy to add more days in...I should have a calendar of offerings on this blog soon....

Necklace by Alison Walsh, silver and pearls

New member Alison Walsh is based in Tralee Co Kerry. Alison established her jewellery design business in 2006. Specialising in contemporary and classic designs, Alison also creates specially commissioned pieces for customers looking for accessories to match an outfit for a special occasion,  especially bridal wear.  Alison is constantly retraining in her craft and completed various beading courses, a tiara making course and a recent silver smithing course.  She originally trained as a display artist in London, returning to Ireland to work as a window dresser for different fashion stores around the country.  During this time she developed her love for creating jewellery and now exhibits in Back Lane Gallery in Killarney deborahokeeffe.blogspot.com ,  as well as being a freelance window dresser.

Handmade tiara by Alison Walsh