Radio Kerry and Another Talented Artisan...

Craft in Kerry had the fantastic opportunity to be interviewed live on Radio Kerry with Weeshie Fogarty last Wednesday evening.  It was part of his "In Conversations with..." show from 6-7pm and Weeshie proved to be an able and easy-going host.  Any early nerves were put aside when he started talking.  It was like having a cuppa and a chat.  We got a chance to talk about our own crafts, the upcoming craft fair April 29th in Dingle, and how all our products are handmade in Kerry FOR Kerry.  If you buy Kerry products, you create and preserve Kerry jobs.

Soft furnishings from Dragonfly Cottage

We will put a digital copy of the interview up when we get it.  In the meantime, a group of us are off to Dublin tomorrow to promote Craft in Kerry to tour operators.  It's a chance to sound out tour guides and see how well our Handmade Sessions go over.  We will be demonstrating our crafts and talking up craft to almost 300 vendors.  We will be busy!  Stay tuned for news about that shindig when we are back.

If you’re looking for something different to accent your home, or a unique gift, Dragonfly Cottage offers a range of bespoke interiors.  Anything from throw cushions, aprons, sachets and wine gift bags which are all handmade at Callan Farm, located in Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry.

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