News and Reviews

P 2 Consumer Research

P 5 Adaptive Craft

50% Scheme - Traces Exhibition

P 6 Crafts in the Environment

P 8 Craft IT

P 10 Standard Setters

Creative Skillsnet

Craft Community News

P 11 Why Design

- Donegal Enterprise Board

Access to Craft.....

Opportunities

P 12 Craft in the Classroom

3rd Level Awards

Photoscheme

P 13 Pottery Design & Skills Course

Ceramics Ireland International...

Research Missions

P 14 Dates for Your Diary

AdvertisementsP 16 Advertisements

Exhibitions - Events

P 20 Snapshots - Designing Ireland

P 21 Snapshots - Tracing the Line

P 22 NCG - News

P 24 NCG - Upcoming exhibitions

TRACES P.5

SILVER CONNECTIONS P.22

Change is the one constant in life - and this is as true for the craft sector as any other. At therecent conference ‘Setting the Agenda for Change’ which took place in Kilkenny on the 31st ofMarch last, craftspeople, buyers, members of the media, representatives from support agenciesand staff & board members from the Crafts Council of Ireland discussed the issues affecting thecraft sector at present and the changes required to drive the sector forward.

The purpose of the conference was to provide key information on Consumer Research trends in a forum where the viewpoints of craftspeople, retailer and industry specialists could provide feedback for the next CCoI Strategic Plan for 2007 – 2009, which is due to be completed and published by July.

The conference opened with a presentation which drew comparisons to the issues faced by the sector today and those experienced during the days of the Kilkenny Design Workshops (KDW), mainly low cost imports from abroad and the importance of good design in competing with them.This was followed with a synopsis of the 3 Consumer Research surveys thathave been undertaken by the Crafts Council over the past 6 months - qualitative research, retailer research and quantitativeresearch (see article on page 2 for further information) and culminated in a lively group debate on Image, Relevance,Accessand Competence - identified as the key issues currently effecting the craft Industry.

One of the issues touched on repeatedly during the day was the importance of the craft brand. “Authenticity and experiencesare what all big brands want and precisely what craft can deliver better than most. Successful delivery means compelling and truthfuldelivery - crafts are high on truth but may be poor at communicating the compelling aspect of their story” said the ConferenceChairman, Jim Dunne (Director of EnterpriseIG and CCoI board member). Jim thanked the attendees for giving of their timeand for participating with such conviction and passion - “it bodes well for the sector that so many diverse groups are willing toengage in the process of change.”

To read the full report on ‘Setting the Agenda for Change’ visit the news section of the CCoI web site at: www.ccoi.ie

Jim Dunne, CCoI Board Member and Chairman at ‘Setting the Agenda for Change’conference, addressing the audience in Kilkenny Castle on 31st March 2006

Affecting Change, Moving Forward

News and Reviews 2

Consumer Research - Threats & Opportunites

The response to this research has been incredibly positive from craftspeople andbuyers alike – and although not always rosey, the story the research told was byand large seen to be an accurate reflection of most craftspeople’s experiences.For some there was a sense of relief in knowing that their suspicions were right and in being able to pinpoint some of the issues. For others they reservedjudgement until they learned more. And – as is always the case – for some thereaction will be to put their head in the sand and carry on as they are.

For the Crafts Council of Ireland, what was clear was that we needed to knowmore – and we needed to know the hard facts and figures. With this in mind wecommissioned a Syndicated Hall Door survey, which took place in January 2006in homes across the country. The advantage of a large scale quantitative surveyof this nature is that (based on a process agreed with the Central Statistics Office)it allows you to accurately project figures for the population as a whole – lookingat issues such as demographics, gender, age etc.

Much work went into developing a survey that would give us:

• Maximum insight into consumers current spending habits in specific categories (such as giftware, furniture, homeware, jewellery, accessories and fashion)

• Insight into their view on the Irish craft offerings in each of these areas – compared to global offerings

• Projected figures on what participants planned to spend in these categoriesover the coming 12 months

This information enabled us to accurately assess the size and potential of the categories and the current and potential craft spend in these areas, for the population as a whole.

The ResultThe reassuring result was that the growth potential under each category was better than anticipated – showing that there is certainly plenty of opportunity toimprove craft sales, if the right product is presented to the right type of consumerin the right way.

In addition to this we looked in more detail at the consumer – their attitudes,buying behaviour and potential. The findings were very insightful - and backed upthe initial research carried out in 2005, adding more depth and strength to the information.

CategoriesFrom the first research findings it was clear that consumers think in terms of product categories – rather than craft disciplines. For this reason we based theresearch on the categories identified by consumers - and to ensure consistencyand accuracy we clarified what we meant by the categories as follows:

• Furniture (tables, lamps, chairs, sofas etc)

• Giftware (bowls, vases, silverware, frames etc bought as a gift)

• Homeware (pottery, cutlery, home textiles etc bought for own home)

• Jewellery (pendants, rings, bracelets etc)

• Fashion (contemporary, special occasion clothing – not high street fashion)

• Accessories (belts, bags, scarves, cufflinks etc)

For each category we examined the sector as a whole (incorporating all productsin this category – i.e. all furniture regardless of where and how it is made) andthen the Irish craft sector (where consumers believed they were referring to Irishhandmade craft furniture). It is important to note that from the research it is clear that many people believed they were buying products which were Irish craft– when by definition they were not craft, and /or not Irish made. However, thisdoes not negatively affect the accuracy of the results – and indeed it simply highlights a willingness to buy Irish craft if it is available in the outlets they visit.

In addition, for each category we presented consumers with a storyboard displaying 2 sets of images – one of a selection of ‘Global’ products (representative of the products available in retail outlets that are not necessarilyIrish or craft) and one of a selection Irish Craft products. These were not labelled– even the surveyors were not aware which storyboard reflected Global andwhich represented Irish craft - and consumers were asked to state their preferences.This enabled us to gauge how Irish craft design was comparing with‘global’ products on a category by category basis.

One of the most encouraging findings of the research was the fact that Irish craftcompeted well with the global alternatives over all of the categories – and insome categories (such as furniture, homeware and giftware) it was very strong.This highlights definite opportunities – although the challenge would seem to beensuring that the consumer can find the craft alternative.

In the Jan / Feb issue of Stopress we first highlighted the issue of Consumer Research in an

article entitled ‘Knowing your Consumer – Building Your Business’. In it we reported on the

findings from our first qualitative survey with consumers – which took place during the latter

part of 2005 and which highlighted some key issues for the sector to address.

News and Reviews3

The facts established - by categoryFor each category we established:

• Category size• Typical consumer• Average purchase amount• Purchase frequency• Ratio of the population who bought the category in the last year• The ratio of purchases for ‘self ’ or as a gift• The ratio that liked the ‘Global’ design theme (from the storyboards)• Estimated size of the craft segment• Typical craft customer• Ratio of consumers who bought Irish craft in the past 12 months• Ratio of consumers who did not buy Irish craft in the past 12 months• Ratio of those that preferred the Irish craft design theme equally or

better than the global theme• The estimated additional craft potential

Summary of Category FindingsFurniture Whilst the category offers potential, the consumer outlook for

the next 12 months looks potentially quite depressed (basedon projected spend). The key consumer profile is young andmiddle aged men and women in the middle classes.The Irishcraft design theme is good particularly amongst young consumers. The offer needs to be positioned primarily as a self purchase.

Giftware There seems to be a substantial opportunity for craft in the giftware category targeting middle aged, middle class women.The craft design themes are good but currently appeal moreto older consumers. The offer needs to be positioned primarily as a gift.

Homeware There seems to be a substantial opportunity for craft in thehomeware category targeting young, middle class women.The craft design themes are good but appeal more to olderconsumers. The offer needs to be positioned primarily

as homeware.

Jewellery There seems to be a substantial opportunity for craft in theJewellery category targeting young and middle aged, middleclass women.The craft design themes are perceived as weakbut perceived better among middle aged consumers.The offerneeds to be positioned primarily as giftware.

Accessories This category appears to offer in relative terms the highestgrowth opportunity. The key consumer profile is youngwomen.The craft design theme is perceived as weak generallybut improves among middle age consumers. The offer needsto be positioned primarily as a self purchase.

Fashion This category appears to offer in overall value terms the highest growth potential. The key consumer profile is youngmiddle class women.The craft design theme is weak with moremiddle age appeal.The offer needs to be positioned primarilyas a self purchase.

Overall:• Most of the key categories attract young, upmarket and female

purchasers: giftware is slightly more middle aged, with fashion, jewelleryand accessories very young.

• All categories are dominated by younger buyers.• Craft giftware does very well among women over 50• Craft fashion performs strongest for 50-64 year old women, but younger

women are of much greater relevance to the category generally.• Young women have a definite interest in craft fashion, accessories and

jewellery which is less well reflected in purchase patterns than it could be.• Under 25 year olds, over 65 year olds and the working class predominate

as non-buyers of crafts.

ConsumersHaving examined the categories in detail we then looked at the types of typical consumers broken into the following groups:

• Young female• Older female• Men• Heavy Purchasers of Craft• Collectors• Working Class

Young Female:These under 35 year year olds were the dominant buyers in the areas of fashion, accessories and jewellery. They had a definite interest in Irish craft fashion and jewellery in particular, however this was not reflected in their purchasing patterns – probably because Irish craft was not readily available in theoutlets they purchased in. As a group they were seen to have the highestgrowth potential, given their propensity to purchase, their potential interest incraft and the fact that they are currently not buying craft (or in some cases evenseeing craft in the outlets they visit).

Older Female:These 49+ women are currently the segment most likely to purchase craft. Theytend to be based in towns and villages outside of the main Urban areas (the cities).They place a high value on craft and they appreciate design – they are discerning purchasers of fashion and giftware in particular. They also fall strongly into the ‘Collectors’ segment – and there is potential to further harnessthis market.

Men:Men are not a key target profile for most categories – although they were themain purchasers of furniture. However, they spend more per purchase thanwomen on all categories except fashion. There is some potential for this segment within the Irish craft furniture category – however as a segment theyshow lower potential overall.

News and Reviews 4

Heavy Purchasers of Craft:This was a very interesting segment or group as they don’t necessarily buy intothe notion of ‘craft’ - that is to say, while they buy quite a substantial amount ofcraft, they purchase because they like the product not because it is a craft product.They tend to be women aged between 25-49, married, working fulltime andbased in rural locations (not in the main cities).They are ABC1’s and on averagespend over €500 annually on craft. The potential to further tap into this group is high.

Collectors5% of the population indicate a desire to collect and invest in craft, but in reality1% actually collect - which means there are currently 33,000 craft collectors inIreland. They are predominantly AB, female, married, aged between 55-64 andbased outside of the main cities. These are a very specific group who have a passion for craft and as such have further potential – particularly when you consider that a further 4% express a desire to collect but do not currently do so.

Working ClassAs a segment this group are most likely to reject craft and contain the most number of non buyers. The key reason is price points – they are either not in aposition or not willing to pay premium price points for craft items and thus as agroup have little or no potential.

Design Versus HandmadeIt was important for the sector to try to understand the emphasis that consumersplace on the issues of design and handmade – as this will affect how craft is marketed moving forward.

The reality of the situation is that consumers that are ‘quite’ or ‘very interested’ incraft expressed a significant preference for design versus handmade. Young femaleABC1’s also expressed a significant preference (3:1) for design versus handmade.In other words, all other things being equal, design is rated as more important tothese consumers than whether the item is made by hand.

ChannelsWhat has been clear from all of the research to date is the importance of under-standing where purchases are made for each of the consumer segments orgroups. Knowing whether a group has potential and then where they are mostlikely to purchase enables you to assess how to reach them.

The survey identified the following channels through which consumers are likelyto purchase – and they broke down by gender, age and economic status whereconsumers were most likely to purchase.

Channels

• Department stores• Gift shop• Place where item is made• Dedicated craft fair• Specific craft shop• Farmers market• Tourist shop• Factory outlet• Gallery• Internet• Mail order catalogue

Backing up previous findings, Department stores came out very strong – particularly for women under 49 and those in the ABC1 category. Gift shopcame next for this group. Craft shops scored relatively well with women over 35– as did dedicated craft fairs and farmers markets – but for the under 25’s theseroutes did not rate highly at all.

Essentially one of the clearest messages for the craft industry – producers andretailers alike – is that the group with the most potential in the future (the under35 year old women) are currently purchasing in the locations where you are lesslikely to find craft (department stores and gift shops).

Price premiumsOptimistically, 2 out of 5 consumers feel that craft products should command aprice premium to reflect the time and effort it takes to produce them. 34% feltthat craft should be similarly priced, 37% felt that craft should cost a little moreand 6% felt that craft should cost a lot more. Only 11% felt it should cost less, ora lot less.

When considering the issues surrounding competition from low-cost imports, thisfinding is encouraging – showing that consumers do rate craft items and do seethe merit in paying more for them than for mass produced items.

ConclusionWhile there can be no denying the fact that the craft sector is facing challengingtimes – with changing consumer behaviour, increased low-cost competition, highcost-bases and overheads etc. there are also clear opportunities that can be capitalised on.

Threats highlighted by the research include:

• The older generations tend to be more craft-aware, however as time passes they will become less influential purchasers

• Under 25’s do not tend to purchase craft or shop where craft is available– they are a key audience that are currently untapped, and vital to the future

• Craft currently does not appeal as much to the younger generations – thusit will be important for the craft sector to ensure that craft products aremore relevant to younger audiences

All of these threats can and must be addressed by the sector over time and thiswill require a concerted effort from support agencies, craftspeople and retailersif it is to be successful.

Encouraging findings from the research :

• The Irish craft offering competes well with the ‘global’ offering in the eyesof the consumer

• There is greater potential within each of the categories than would havebeen anticipated

• There is excellent growth potential within the key consumer segments ofyounger women, older women, heavy purchasers and collectors – althoughthere is a job of work to do to ensure that they get to see craft

• In addition we can now identify the channels where these consumer segments purchase

The key element for the sector as a whole is to take on these findings and to findways in which to optimise the opportunities and address the challenges. TheCrafts Council will use these findings to form the basis of activity in the upcomingStrategic Plan – which will be launched in July 2006 and rolled out in January 2007.We will also ensure that all participants in the sector are made aware of theresearch so that the sector as a whole can address the issues and ensure that wemove on cohesively.

A more indepth version of the research results will be published on the CCoI website in the coming weeks.

News and Reviews5

This Crafts Council of Ireland and Dublin-based Adaptive Information Cluster’s ‘Adaptive Craft’ initiative willsee the first Irish craftsperson in an Irish university actively working with researchers to develop a smarttextile garment.

We are now delighted to announce that the successful craftsperson is Tara Carrigy, a Dublin-based printed textile designer who lectures part-time in theNational College of Art and Design, as well as producing work for clients such as Lainey Keogh, John Rocha, Ali Malek and Fenn Wright and Manson. As such,Tara has a wealth of relevant experience, and is excited at the prospect of extending her practice through technology and collaboration.

Tara’s proposal - the unique concept of ‘Smart Yoga-wear’ - caught the eye of the selection panel with its health and lifestyle potential and its strong craft component. As a yoga practitioner herself,Tara understands the frustration of not being able to monitor whether her breathing and posture are correct. Herproposal incorporates smart fabrics being developed at DCU (Dublin City University) where the fabric itself will monitor changes in pressure, breathing,movement etc,.

The aim of the initiative is to enable Tara to work with ‘Smart Fabrics’ over a six-month period. Her time will be spent on and off campus exploring materials to research and liaising with researchers in chemistry, engineering and computing, along with an AIC support team.

The goal is to use these emerging ‘Smart Fabrics’ to produce a garment, which will be displayed during the Kilkenny Arts Festival 2006.

For further information contact Sharon Rollston on T: 056 7761804 E: sharon@ccoi.ie

Adaptive CraftCraftsperson Tara Carrigy to work with researchers on Smart Materials

Education News

3 designer/makers unveil new work at ‘TRACES’Michelle O’Donnell,Angela O’Kelly and Liz Nilsson joined forces for a unique show entitled ‘Traces’.The development of the new work was

supported by the Crafts Council of Ireland’s 50% Scheme, which enables registered craftspeople to avail of financial assistance towards the development of new

product.

‘Traces’ which opened on 3rd March at the Atrium. OPW, Dublin saw the group take their work to a new level. Michelle who normally works to commissionunveiled new glass work in the form of ladders and cobwebs, while Angela who works in mixed media, produced dramatic interactive wall pieces in paper andmetal. Liz Nilsson’s colourful, textile collages were inspired by her childhood in her native Sweden.

Michelle, Angela and Liz who are also participants on CCoI Portfolio look forward to exploring new opportunities over the coming months.

For further information on Traces exhibition contact: Liz Nilsson T: 01 4976058 E: nilssonliz@yahoo.ie

For further information on 50% Scheme contact: Helen Lynch T: 048 30 833605 E: helen@helenlynch.net W: www.ccoi.ie

Phase 2 of the Ist Level Schools Pilot Project: ‘ Craft in the Classroom’now launched. For details see Opportunities section P. 12

Angela O’Kelly, Michelle O’Donnell & Liz Nilsson Angela O’Kelly Michelle O’Donnell Liz Nilsson

News and Reviews 6

Imagine a group of Japanese businessmen

flying halfway around the world to visit

Ireland. What are they here for? To play golf?

No, they're here to build a dry stone wall. Of

course, you don't have to imagine it if you

are Pat Collum, marketing manager for Green

Box. He has seen it, and what's more, sooner

or later pretty much everyone in the crafts

industry will see it or something like it.

"The past is a foreign country," according to novelist LP Hartley, "they do

things differently there." This different country, it turns out, is a place many

people want to visit. Like Japanese people who want to get a glimpse of a

pre-industrial world, where things were made by skill and by hand, rather

than by machine and by the million.

Green Box is a publicly funded eco-tourism project which straddles the

Ireland-Northern Ireland border and covers the whole North-west. Its brief

is to bring local culture and heritage to the tourist market. People want a

genuine experience when they go on holiday, says Collum, they want local

customs and local crafts, and they want to immerse themselves in them.

"They are looking for meaningful travel" he says.They also want to do this in

environmentally sustainable ways, which is why Green Box's associated

accommodation providers are in the process of being environmentally

audited for EU-recognised accreditation.

They want to experience where they are visiting, something unique to the

country. And in the era of globalisation and homogenisation, what could be

more local and individual than the handmade. Crafts, therefore, are one of

the keys to unlocking this potential.

Why should Ireland be interested? Eco tourists spend longer in an area,

Collum explains. They spend longer and they spend more, as a result. They

are not interested in shopping malls with a few dozen multinational retailers.

They want something they cannot get at home, as did the Japanese businessmen.

"The craft scene is very much par t of our ethos," says Collum.

Unfor tunately, this eco-tourism is an area where Ireland lags. It is better

developed in central Europe and Scandinavia, and even Britain and the

United States, he says.

Sean O'Dowd is the Potter behind one of Northern Ireland's best known

potteries, Ballydougan, based near Lurgan, Armagh. Ballydougan is something

unusual in the crafts industry.Whereas most crafts would be regarded as part

of a production industry, Ballydougan is also firmly in the service industry.

Unusually for a crafts business, it has won Northern Ireland Tourist Board

awards. It has also won government attention (and funding), who see its

innovative blend of niche market tourism and small, interdependent

microbusinesses as a viable and sustainable rural diversification strategy.

Ballydougan, which has grown from just a single potter – Sean himself – in

1984 has embraced the idea of crafts as an experience rather than as a mere

source of objects. The Ballydougan complex now comprises a pottery and

gift shop, a restaurant, and self-catering cottages. All are housed within a

complex of authentically restored, listed buildings.What it offers the visitor is

immersion: people can become part of the process to whatever level they

choose, either as observers or par ticipants. Visitors can go along and watch

the potters, but they can get hands-on experience too in any of a number of

crafts courses (not all of which are ceramics). For instance, one course

– ostensibly for young mothers – is for making a christening plate for their

baby. "People want hands-on experience, they want their own creation," says

Crafts and the EnvironmentThe Craft Experience By Declan Cullen

embraced the idea of crafts as an

experience rather than as a mere

source of objects

News and Reviews7

O'Dowd. "They want to achieve something rather than just buy it."

Although he doesn't market it as eco-tourism, Ballydougan does have green,

sustainable and close-to-the-ear th credentials. All the food is locally sourced,

the buildings are preserved and restored rather than new built. And as

O'Dowd points out, you don't burn any jet fuel getting to Ireland if you are

here already: "Staying at home is the eco-tourist holiday".

O'Dowd sees the path he has followed as more or less inevitable, the future

for much of the crafts sector – which may be no bad thing. "The days of 13

or 14 people employed all making pots are gone – there are only so many

pots you can sell, after all. Anyway, the add-ons are more profitable." The

pattern of experiencing crafts rather than just buying the products is repeated

throughout the island. What it shows is an area into which craftspeople can

diversify, an area made fer tile by growing environmental awareness and a

desire for something other than the one-size-fits-all experiences offered by a

globalised world. Here are a few more examples:

The Organic Centre in Rossinver, Leitrim, is somewhat of a Mecca for the

ecologically aware, it's almost a rite of passage for environmentalists to pay

a visit.The centre is a tourist attraction in its own right, people visit it to see

it – but it also offers courses, and crafts courses feature highly in their

programme.The Centre's Barbara McInerney says its perfectly understandable

that traditional crafts and environmental living make such compatible bedfellows.

The people who turn up at Rossinver want biodegradable, sustainable living;

they want things made by ar tisans rather than by machine. A glance through

the Organic Centre's course list shows pottery courses, felt making, basket-

making, dry-stone walling. Alongside these are others, not usually covered by

the Crafts Council, but crafts nonetheless: natural cosmetics and soap-making,

baking and cheesemaking. According to McInerney, they don't just offer these

courses because they can, but because there is demand for them.

Dingle West is a tourist promotion website. Sue Redican is another craftsperson

who doubles as a tourist attraction. She features on the website, listed

alongside museums and ar t galleries as places to visit on the peninsula.

Redican is a traditional weaver who spends her winters in Dunquin, and her

summers out on the Great Blasket off the Dingle peninsula, where the

now-vanished Gaelic speaking civilisation of the Great Blasket was captured

and immortalised by Peig Sayers and Tomas O'Crohan. Among the many

tasks of the island's womenfolk was weaving – which was done more or less

from scratch, making yarns from raw wool, dyeing them with local plants and

lichens and eventually weaving them into garments. Redican spends her

summers on the island doing just this, and day trippers to the otherwise

uninhabited island usually call to her workshop. "Kids especially are fascinated by

it," she says." They can see the wool before it's made into something." Some

of them try it, and of course find it is a lot more difficult than it looks, which

adds to their appreciation of both the object itself and of the island's

womenfolk who used to do this of necessity.

Imelda Daly runs Rockfield Ecological Estate north of Mullingar. Rockfield is

somewhat unusual: it's a private home run as an ar ts, culture and heritage

centre, all under and 'ecological living' umbrella. What makes it so unusual

and of interest to craftspeople is the range of crafts courses it offers:

spinning, weaving, felt-making, batik ar t, papermaking, ceramics, basketmaking,

wood and stonecarving.

Daly points out that all the courses have a cultural or heritage significance,

but they all have 'green' credentials: the wood carvers use clear-felled trees

from the estate, the wool for weaving and spinning is from their own

organic sheep.

Without theorising too much, Dave McLoughlin, who runs Ben Bulben

Pottery and gives the ceramics course at the Organic Centre, probably sums

up the real, gut-level attraction of crafts experience holidays and courses

– it's all down to the tactile: "It's nice to get your hands dir ty and give it a

try. And you can even end up with something half decent," he says.

Without a doubt times are changing – many of us are tiring of the norm, the

mass market, the one-size-fits-all approach to life that is par t and parcel of

globalisation. People are beginning to look for the authentic experience, the

unique product the individual service and that is where craft, and craft related

services, score. Craft has that individual element that automatically differenciates

it from the masses. It projects integrity and authenticity – it provides a sense

of self, a connection with nature, a sense of belonging that cannot be

replicated. As a sector we have to find new ways to adapt to the changing

market place – and compete on our strengths.

People want a genuine experience when they go on holiday, says Collum, they want

local customs and local crafts, and they want to immerse themselves in them

Craft has that individual element

that automatically differentiates it

from the masses.

www.balllydouganpottery.co.uk

News and Reviews 8

“ I spent ages with a website designer last year putting up a site for my business and I wish I had never bothered. I have not got a single piece of business from it!”

I hear this a lot from businesses - whether craftspeople or others.And I suspect that there are a hellof a lot of internet sites that never bring in a single Euro. And how would they - try printing marketing leaflets for your business and leaving them in the box they were delivered in. Putting upan internet site and doing nothing with it is (almost) no different.

The qualification is that the way the internet works could be different. Once your site is up then itcan be seen by anyone with an internet connection - so it is not the same at all as leaving yourleaflets in a box.

Except that people have to have a reason to go to your site, and they have to be able to find it.And thatis what we are covering in this Craft IT article.

Starting simply with some blindly obvious advice

Even if you never get a single new customer with your website you should use it to communicatewith your existing ones. (For those of you with brand new businesses - skip to next paragraph!).Thisis the most cost effective and visual way you have of allowing consumers (or retailers) who alreadyhave a product of yours to see your new work. If you are really stretched for time then you do noteven have to commit to an email newsletter (see later on in the article) - just publicise your website address on your product, your bags, your packaging and your leaflets/brochures.

For those of you who are new to business then the first place to start is making your websiteaddress relevant, easy to spell and memorable. Why - because you need to act as though your audience are stupid and have the attention span of kids with ADHD.They need to be able to glanceat your website name and remember it instantly. And then they need to be able to spell it properly when they are at their computer.

Making your website name easy

1. Relate the website name to your business - the seanthepotter.com kind of approach.What ifyou cannot use your name? Should you consider something like coolglass.com? It could workif your work (and brand) are strong enough.

2. Don’t go fashionable with your spelling (few companies will get away with doing a Flickr - leaving letters out of common words!)

Stuff that takes effort

Different ways of increasing your use of the internet for your business This all takes time - which (along with cash) is very precious to craftspeople. So a decision to givetime to this is best suited to a craft business that meets some of the following criteria:

• Sells directly to end consumers• Has products that are suitable for the internet• Has (or is aiming to develop) a strong personal or business brand • Is positioned in or moving into the mid to upper end of the marketplace for crafts• Has pieces that have a high individual selling price

Or even if none of the above apply - if you enjoy technology or marketing!

Why this proviso? Because it has to be worth your while.And businesses in the kind of space aboveare more likely to make a return on the time investment in their site.

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

• Plus much more....

ARCHIVE.......

• Stopress 7, 2006

What sort of website is best

for you?

• Stopress 8, 2005

Blogs

CRAFT-ITTips to increase your on-line presence

News and Reviews9

A little effort

DirectoriesInternet users need to be able to find things - quickly. And so websites that bring together a number of potential suppliers in one place can begood places for your website to be listed.

Cross linkingIf there are other craft business whom you are comfortable to promote by word of mouth (maybe they are not in the same physical area orwork in a different discipline. Or because you are friends) then make sure that the ones with sites link to yours and visa versa.

In both these cases it takes a little time to find these and to submit your details. - however once you have done it you only need to update themwhen your contact details change or your products need to be refreshed (if they have photos)

The text on your websiteThis is most practical for newbies as it can most easily be done when your website is being developed for the first time (or being redesigned forthat matter).

Most websites contain a list of words (called meta tags) that can be used to describe your work but are never seen by visitors to your site.Pointless as that may seem these words are used by search engines (Google and the like) to help them decide which websites to show in searchresults. So you can use them to include words like gift, present, Ireland - even though you do not want these words cluttering up your home page. Talk to your website designer about this and think about the kind of words that people will use either when they are searching for youspecifically, or when they are looking for work like yours.

Lots of Effort

Update itWhen you do get people to visit your site it is easy to loose them after a couple of seconds. One easy way of doing this is to display completelyout of date information and images.This is easily achieved - just relax a little when your website is finally up and (once you have put your domain name everywhere) don’t even gonear it again. Don’t look at it, don’t change it. And pretty soon it will give a great impression of you and your work - 3 years ago.The work thatyou hate now.This kind of revisiting is tedious and does not bring much in the way of short-term reward. But it does give your name/brand and your work onthe internet a freshness that will bring people back to your site. And hopefully encourage them to buy your work.

CompetitionsPeople love to win things. Even small things – it doesn’t matter. Free is free! So collect peoples email addresses over a couple of months and raffle a piece of your work.Word of mouth alone will bring visitors in!

The “where am I going to find that kind of time?” effort

Email newsletterThis falls into the category of “making things easy for people”. Take their email address and send them an email every so often to bring their attention to new work on your site.This will take a couple of minutes (a single paragraph in the email is fine) and will mean that you will makemuch better use of your updating work. It can also be used to let people know about new stockists, a retail fair that you are doing or offer themsale prices on pieces that you are trying to get rid of.

BloggingThis falls into the category of “making things easy for people”. Take their email address and send them an email every so often to bring their attention to new work on your site.This will take a couple of minutes (a single paragraph in the email is fine) and will mean that you will makemuch better use of your updating work. It can also be used to let people know about new stockists, a retail fair that you are doing or offer themsale prices on pieces that you are trying to get rid of. For more on blogging see pages 10 - 11, Stopress 8 (Mar/Apr 2006).

“Even if you never get a single new customer with your website youshould use it to communicate with your existing ones”

Stained Glass Artist, Peadar Lambthe latest ‘Standard Setter’

Chosen by a panel of experts on behalf of the Crafts Council ofIreland, Peadar Lamb, based in Dublin, is the latest ‘Standard Setter’to be profiled in Irish Arts Review. Congratulations to Peadar!

Standard Setters is a joint initiative with CCoI and Irish Arts Review andpromotes the concept of acknowledging consistency in design excellencewithin the craft industry. You can read about Peadar in the Summer 2006issue of Irish Arts Review.

For further information visit www.irishartsreview.com

News and Reviews 10

About Creative SkillnetCreative Skillnet is an opportunity for the creative industries to come together, determine their own training and strategic needs and access substantial resources for the development of their sector. Creative Skillnet training is grant aided and most programmes are 70% funded. We arecommitted to providing training that meets the critical business needs of our members.

Since our official launch in February, we have rolled out Marketing,Web Development and Strategic Planning training programmes, as requested byour members. We extend a big ‘Thank You’ to those members who are already actively participating. We are delighted that you are learning newtools to enhance the way you do business. We are extremely happy with the programme results. Participant feedback has so far been excellent and we look forward to extending our offerings in the very near future. In order that we continue to source and fund quality programmes of thiscalibre, it is important that we expand our network and grow our resources. We are therefore always delighted to hear your comments, opinionsand feedback.

More comments from participants:

"Informative and practical with very useful one-to-one sessions: I am much clearer about what to do with our website and what can be done" Jamie McCarthy-Fisher, The Wild Goose Studio – on our Web Programme

"The programme was thought provoking. Got to core issues quickly."Pearse O'Brien, Duiske Glass - on our marketing Programme

Upcoming Courses Some of the courses we will be providing this Autumn include:

• PR with Photography - How to make the best use of you images.- Matching appropriate images with the appropriate opportunity.

- How to make PR work to your best advantage.• Merchandising - for shows and retail.• Computer Graphics - Corel Draw / Photoshop• Marketing• Business Improvement Strategy

How to join Membership is open to those working in the creative industries - a membership fee of ?125 is payable twice a year for a two year period.This enti-tles members to avail of training on the Creative Skillnet Training Programmes at a reduced rate of 30% of the full cost. Members themselves decidewhich programmes they would like to see rolled out to the network.

If you wish to enquire about becoming a member of Creative Skillnet or you wish to join please contact: Pat or Ann at the Pat McCarthyStudio. Creative Skillnet is managed on behalf of the Creative Skillnet Steering Committee by the Pat McCarthy Studio. Pat McCarthy DesignStudio,The Rower, Inistioge, Co Kilkenny. T: 051 423857 E: mail: info@patmccarthystudio.ie

"The programme was thoroughly worthwhile and motivating" Denis Kenny, Ceadogan Rugs - on our Marketing Programme

Leitrim Design House ‘New’ BrochureThe Dock, St. Georges Terrace, Carrick-on- Shannon, Co. LeitrimT: 071 96 50550 E: info@leitrimdesignhouse.ie W: ww.leitrimdesignhouse.ie

Leitrim Design House have recently published a very simple but tastefully illustratedbrochure of their craft offering.At a glance it lets the consumer know the range of services and variety of unique and specialist gifts on offer.

Craft Community News11

WHY DESIGN?Achieving Competitive Advantage through Design in Donegal

Building on the foundations created by “Opportunities in Design” and the ICSTI statement “Design and Development”, Donegal CountyEnterprise Board has launched a new design report and training programme based on the value of, and need for, the effective use ofdesign to create competitive advantage for small businesses in theCounty.

On Monday 27th March the WHY DESIGN? report was launched as part of

Enterprising Donegal Week. Using this baseline information, Donegal County Enterprise

Board has now secured further funding from Skillnets Services Ltd to deliver the “3D

Accel Project”, a two year design training programme for small businesses.This training

programme will focus on creating design awareness, delivering design development

training modules, development of a Donegal design network and best practice visits.

For a copy of this report please contact Donegal County Enterprise Board

T: 074 916 0735 E: info@donegalenterprise.ie

CRAFTMARK - The Louth CraftmarkDirectory and Commissioning GuideLouth Craftmark has just published a new directory and guide to commissioning crafts from Co. Louth.Featured in the directory is beautiful original workfrom a selection of Louth top designer-makers, inceramics, glass, textiles, metal and wood.

In the directory you will find details on each maker'swork, along with information on commissions completed and of course inspirational images of commissionable craft.

To obtain a copy of the directory please contact theoffice:T: +353 42 939 6943 or E: sarahdaly@craftmark.ie or download from theCraftmark website www.craftmark.ie

Robert O’Connor, National Irish Bank, (main Sponsor of Enterprising DonegalWeek), Aisling Lynch, Business Advisor, Donegal County Enterprise Board,Toby Scott, Director,The Design Centre, Sligo (guest speaker), Seamus McAdams,TEDI i2 (consultant who carried out Donegal Design Audit), Michael Tunney,CEO Donegal County Enterprise Board

Access to Craft......

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PORTFOLIOA catalogue of Ireland’s Leadingdesigner makers, selected by anInternational panel of experts.This directory contains images and information on the artists and their work. It also containsdetails on where the work is available from and how to commission a piece.

A limited number of PORTFOLIO CD’s are available from the Crafts Council Offices.

To get a copy contact the CCoI offices at: Contact:T: 056 7761804Email: info@ccoi.ie

Now inviting applications! The Council’s brand new student awards scheme, designed to support

those demonstrating most potential to develop craft-based practice

beyond their current course of study, is now inviting applications.

Only current students within Irish colleges are eligible to apply for the two awards on offer this year, and they must be either final year honours degree undergraduates or postgraduates, using craft as a process as recognised by CCoI.Each award is worth €2,500.

Applicants must be nominated by a craft tutor at their college, and can apply for funding for the following:

• Acquisition of additional skills, training or learning • and associated costs of travelling abroad to pursue additional skills,

education or research• Research (materials, technology, practices)• Purchase of equipment/materials• Studio rental costs• Production of promotional materials.

The deadline for applications is Friday 9th June. Interviews will be held on 27/28thJune. For further information and/or an application form go to www.ccoi/education or contact sharon@ccoi.ie or +353 (0)56 7761804

PhotographyScheme ‘0627th Jun &17th Oct 2006Cost: €75 per image for non-model shots and€100 per image for model shots.

All Photography Scheme images are automaticallyincluded on CCoI Image Bank which is providedto the media free of charge and also used inCCoI promotional publications and on the CCoI website.

Expressions of Interest forms will be available 4 weeks prior to each shoot.

Photography Scheme is open to registeredcraftspeople from Northern Ireland

For further information contact:Mary O’Shea or Emma Briscoe T: 056 7761804 E: info@ccoi.ie.Please note this is a very popular project and places are limited.

CCoI’s primary schools initiative ‘Craft in the Classroom’ was first launched in

Spring 2005 in County Cork. Its main aim is to train craftspeople in the delivery

of the primary visual arts curriculum and to raise the profile of craft in the

primary education sector.

The 2006/7 academic year will see the second phase of this pilot rolled out. This time the residencies will take place in primary schools based in counties Tipperary, Kilkenny and Waterford.

An information day for interested craftspeople will be held in September, focusing mainly onthe relevance of craft to the primary visual arts curriculum.As such, it will be of interest to anycraftspeople wishing to work in school settings, and all are welcome to attend. However,craftspeople based in Kilkenny, Tipperary and Waterford will be given priority when beingpaired with schools for the subsequent residency projects. For those craftspeople to whomthis applies, attendance at this event is mandatory if they wish to be considered for selectionfor the residencies.

You will find further details of the event in the next issue of Stopress, but if you wish to register your interest now, please email your contact details to: sharon@ccoi.ie to receiveinformation directly.

Opportunities 12

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Craft in the Classroomcall for craftspeople interested in participating in phase two

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CERAMICS IRELAND

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL8th, 9th and 10th Sept 06

Don’t miss the opportunity to come and participate in a unique 3 day event featuring 7 dynamic internationally renowned Ceramic Artists.These distinguished practioners will present a range of fascinatingly diverse techniques and vibrant work. Shao Ting Ju- Taiwan, Eric Astoul - France, Geoffrey Healy - Ireland, Ashraf Hanna - Wales,Daphne Corregan - France, Greg Crowe - Australia, John French - USA/Ireland

The weekend programme will include demonstrations, slide shows, firings,discussion forum, exhibitions and trade stands. 2 exhibitions, CeramicsIreland International Festival’ and Emerging Ceramics will be held at theNational Craft Gallery, Kilkenny in conjunction with the festival.

This event is part of ‘Feile Clai’ an Interreg 111A European funded jointproject between Ireland and Wales.

For further information contact Tina Byrne T: 01 2870963 E: tinabyrne@feileclai.com W: www.feileclai.com

Opportunities13

Go and see! It’s the best research for trends and for market research If you want to research an event/show in 2006 and want to avail of assistance with costs…..Then download an application form from www.ccoi.ie/researchmissions

Here’s what some people say….This was a wonderful opportunity to view a world-wide and world-class exhibition and follow up with visits to the many London galleries that were showing their applied Arts collections to coincide with the Collect Show. It was a chance for me to view my own work in this framework and I found much of the work inspirational and will inform my own work in the future.

Rachel Milotte, Ceramicist, visited Collect, London February 2006

The initial feeling when I arrived at Inhorenta was overwhelming.The Designers section was very inspiring as the Germans have a very brave approach to jewellery making and are not afraid to be big and bold…… the variety of material is never ending……lots of unusuallycut stones, full of inspiration to take home and create from.

Anne Mette O’Connor, Jeweller visited Inhorgenta, Germany February 2006

Read more reviews at www.ccoi.ie/researchmissions

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 produceappropriate 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/researchmissions

Research MissionsAutumn/Winter 2006Financial Assistance towards visiting International Trade Shows

Closing date - 28th July 2006

Pottery Design & Skills Course

The closing date for applications is 26th May

Applications are now being invited for Craft Council ofIreland’s Pottery Design and Skills course. Now in its 17th

year, the course has been extremely successful, and has established an excellent reputation in the industry both

nationally and internationally.

In order to meet current market needs, the new two-year curriculum covers Workshop practice and Health and safety, Production skills, Clay

and glaze technology, Kiln theory and operation, Surface treatments,Drawing and design and History of ceramics and contemporary practice.

CCoI will be submitting the course to the Higher Education & TrainingAwards Council in the coming months, seeking accreditation at ordinary

degree level (level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications).

Further information and forms are available from Amanda Walsh,Crafts Council of Ireland, Castle Yard, Kilkenny.

E: amanda@ccoi.ie T: 056 7761804

The closing date for applications is 26th May

N.B. Commencement of the course is subject to its inclusion in the CraftsCouncil’s 2007-2009 Strategic Plan

Opportunities 14

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

of issue. The July/August issue of Stopress will be published on 15th

July 2006

OPPORTUNITY DIARY DATES BY/ON/CURRENTLY/TBC*Stopress deadline for July/August issue is 16th June 2006

3rd Level Awards by 9th June 2006

Photoscheme on 27th June 2006

Research Missions by 28th July 2006

PORTFOLIO by 5th September 2006

Photoscheme on 17th October 2006

NCG EXHIBITIONS 2006New Programme for 2006 now available contact NCG or visit website www.ccoi.ie/exhibitions

NCG, Castle Yard, Kilkenny

Tracing the Line on 7th April - 28th May 2006

40 Shades of Green on 2nd June - 16th July 2006

Opportunities15

Highlightimportant

dates on your calendar

STICKERSlocated on

back of CCoI Calendar

Graduate Show - Pottery Design and Skills Course on 20th July - 7th August 2006

Ceramic Ireland International Festival on 11th August - 1st October

Emerging Makers on 1st September – 8th October

Silver Connections on 13th October - 26th November

SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPSENTERPRISE IRELAND TREND FORECAST EVENTS

Jewellery Design and Market Trend Forecast on 21st June 2006

Womenswear Trend Forecast Autumn/

Winter 07/08 - Sessions 1& 2 on 28th June 2006

Furniture Design and Market Trend Forecast on 9th November 2006

Womenswear Trend Forecast Spring 07 and 08 on 29th November 2006

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, Best Practice in Commissioning and Third Level Awards.

*Please noteComissioning & the

Corporate Gift Market Seminar

18th May, Kilkenny

Brochures have been sent to those onour register who have identified themselves as interested in comissioning.

A PDF of the seminar brochure and also a summary report on commissioning are available to download from theCCoI website from: www.ccoi.ie (on the home page go to link ‘Forthcoming Seminar’).

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

Rober t Lee

Advertisements 16

Gas kiln (bottle gas) - dimensions

inside: Depth 51cm, Width 53cm,

Height 72,5cm. Dimensions outside:

Depth 91cm, Width 81cm, Height

108cm(with feet 154cm). Cost:

€1400, ono includes 2 potburners,

2 full gas bottles, 2 empty bottles.

To be collected. For further

information contact Brigitta

T: 087 6189313

Kilcarra hand and

machine knitting yarns,

various colours. Mixture of silk, wool,

mohair and various fancy yarns.

For more information contact

Amanda T: 086 0634634,

E: info@amanda-daunt.com

16 Shaft AVL Dobby Loom,

160cm/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

Yarn, Wool, Mixes, all on cones.

Samples on request. Shop Fittings:

Mannequins, 2 Hat Heads, Wooden

Hangers, 2 Office Desks. For further

Information contact: 086 8470122

marianne_mcgrath@yahoo.ie

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

suzie@derryauncrafts.com

www.derryauncrafts.com

Kiln S65, top loader 6.5 cu foot

capacity/184 litres, incl. shelves and

timer, little used, €1,600 ono.

For further information

contact Fergal O'Hannrachain

T: 01 8380913 E: fohann@eircom.net

Glenmarkra floor loom

four shaft, weaving width 31", also

warping mill, reeds, raddle, stretcher

and large amount of wool (Navan

and finer). €1,000. For further

information contact

Jean T: 01 2956260

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

Jewellery Workshop

equipment - William Frost

Vulcianiser €250, Balco Rhodium

Plating unit €300 3 x 1Ltr

For further information

contact Sean T: 087 2546925

Large workshop space

available for rent in 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

Studio space in North

Kilkenny, Farmhouse extension

includes double bedroom, shower,

w.c., kitchen and large artists studio

with garden and space for parking.

Available for short or long term.

For further information contact

T: 056 8833623 M: 087 0539504

'Lustre' - The Midlands

Premier Contemporary

Craft Makers' Market. 10th

- 12th November 2006. Innovative

makers of quality applied arts are

invited to apply for exhibition space.

Deadline for Submission: 9th June

2006. Stalls £150. Concessionary

Rate £ 100 (recent graduates of 2

years). No commission. For further

information and application forms

contact: Camilla Moore Djanogly

Art Gallery, Lakeside Arts Centre,

University Park, Nottingham, NG7

2RD T: +44 (0)115 951 3189

Fibre Art International

2007 - USA

Exhibition of Contemporary Fibre

Art www.fiberartinternational.org

closing date 18th August 2006

For further information

contact Mary Towner

T: + 001 412 521 2547 or

E fiberartinternational@yahoo.com

Dublin City Enterprise

Board Export Marketing

Initiative 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 26th May 2006

Friday 18th August 2006

Friday 17th November 2006

Early applications are advised

For further information contact

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

STUDIO SPACE

OPPORTUNITIES

FOR SALE

Advertisements17

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

Arkansas Studio Potter/Fiddler

seeks work for 4-6 weeks, beginning

of June. Will work cheap, anything

considered. For further information

contact T: Mr Greer Ferriss, 200

North 21 St., Fort Smith, Arkansas

72901. USA. T: +479 783 4477

Castleconnell Craft Fair. ,

Castle Oaks House Hotel.

Castleconnell Co. Limerick. invites

applications from potential

exhibitors for Craft Fair 2006 on

29th & 30th October. The

two-day fair attracts craft workers

from all four provinces. Closing

date 14th July 2006. For further

information and an application

form contact Mary O’Connor,

Coolbawn, Castleconnell,

Co. Limerick,T: 061 377810

E: craftfair@castleconnell.ie

Belfast Fair in the Ulster Hall

1st - 3rd December 2006.We are

looking for Irish Crafts, Jewellery and

some interesting food companies to

be part of one of the main craft

shows in Northern Ireland.The cost

for 3 days is £295/€440 for a space

only 1.5 x 3m stand.

For further information contact

James Mc Convey

Tel: +44 (0) 2897 519261

M: +44 (0) 7813941914

E: jamesmcconvey@hotmail.com

Stands available at GLAM!

Fairs fashion and beauty events in

Drogheda, 7th May and Waterford,

11th June. Fashion accessories,

jewellery designers, hand made

cosmetics and soap makers are

welcome. For further information

contact Anna T: 0879334402

or Nathalie T: 0876717464

Flair is a brand new retail

Christmas show at the Kings Hall

Complex from 24th -26th November

2006 which will promote the very

best in design-led craft and applied

arts in Ireland. It will be a selected

show, to ensure quality in design

and craftsmanship. Application

forms can be downloaded from

www.showingflair.com.Your application

form, 5 jpeg images and samples of

your marketing material must be

posted to us by 30th May 2006.

For further information contact

Nicky McGarry T: +44 (0)28 9042

2274 nicky@showingflair.com or

Orla Havlin orla@showingflair.com

33 Seahill Rd, Holywood,

Co Down, BT18 0DJ.

Midlands Art and Craft Association

- Arts and Craft Showcase 3rd &

4th June in Mullingar Arts

Centre Co Westmeath. For

further information contact

Clare Kelly T: 043 29977

E: .087 2263423

Artist working in mixed media

textiles is looking for ceramic, glass

artist/craftsperson to share

stand at National Crafts

Fair - RDS, , December 2006.

Stand is well positioned in main

hall near entrance. For further

information contact

E: lynnkenny@gmail.com

'N.C.A.D Ceramics' An

exhibition of new work by 3rd

Year Degree Students at The

Bridge Gallery, 6 Upper Ormond

Quay, Dublin 7, from 4th until 18th

May. For further information

contact Deirdre Carroll

T: 01 872 9702

E: mail@thebridgegallery.com

Young emerging artists studying at

Galway Mayo Institute of

Technology, Cluain Muire

campus are hosting their annual end

of year show from 10th to 17th of

June. The exhibition of Textiles,

Ceramic's, Sculpture, Print and Paint

is a show not to be missed. For

further information contact

Caroline Hickey T: 087 9045092

or Michelle Lynch T: 086 3586787

R.E.D. Reality - Rockfield

Ecological Dream in Reality

Eco-Events consisting of Arts,

Culture and Heritage will commence

in April at Rockfield Eco Estate and

will continue all year through.The

Eco-Craft-Workshops will take place

in the old courtyard-buildings, which

date back to 1780s and are restored

using all eco friendly materials.

Workshops start at 11am and finish

at 5pm. Organic beverages and lunch

will be served. Courses cost €100

per day. Spinning - Christine Heine,

Almost Sheep to Shawl - Melodi Lammond

Grundy, Weaving - Mairdhia Ni Mhurchu,

Felt making - Brigitta Varadi , Batik Art -

Blaithin Quinn, Hand Papermaking - Tunde

Toth, Ceramics - Geoffrey Healy, Basket

making - Noel Cleary, Woodcarving -

Jackie McKenna, Stone Sculpture - Aileen-

Anne Brannigan, Stone figurative sculpture

- Seamus Dunbar, Eco Art classes will

follow soon For further information

contact Imelda or Jana at

Rockfield Ecological Estate,

Rathaspic, Rathowen,

Co Westmeath T: 043 76024

Derryaun Crafts work-

shop calendar summer 0612th May - Natural and synthetic dyeing.

25th May - Traditional wet felting for

beginners. 31st May - Wool craft, weaving

for beginners. 15th & 16th June - Needle

felting, flat & 3D projects. 22nd June - Silk

paper making. 29th June - Jewellery making

for beginners. 6th & 7th July - Combined

wire and fibre, necklace project. 13th &

14th July - Felt, silk & dyes. 21st July -

Natural and synthetic dyeing. 27th July -

Wool craft, weaving for beginners. 4th Aug

- Jewellery making for beginners. 10th &

11th Aug - Beads, wire, fibre & flowers.

18th Aug - Needle felting for beginners.

24th Aug - Felt jewellery, 31st Aug - Wet

felting, hollow seamless forms.

For further information contact

Suzie SullivanT: 098 21888

E: suzie@derryauncrafts.com

W: www.derryauncrafts.com

STANDSAVAILABLE

EXHIBITIONSWORK WANTED

PLACEMENTS/JOBOPPORTUNITIES

WORKSHOPS/COURSES

Advertisements 18

Feltmakers Ireland

will be holding two one-day work-

shops, on Saturday 1st and Sunday

2nd July 2006, in Airfield House,

Dundrum, Co Dublin.The tutor will

be Jenny Mackay, feltmaker and textile

artist from Scotland and she will

teach Cobweb and Fine Felt.

For further information contact

Sheila Ahern T: 087 7738282,

E: sheila.ahern@ireland.com

Summer Weekend

Calligraphy Courses,

10th & 11th June and 17th & 18th

June 2006 in Oaklands College,

Stillorgen.Two summer weekend

courses designed with beginners in

mind. Foundational Hand learning

how to write, basic techniques, and

finishing at end of second weekend

with a 'take home' (master)piece.

For further information contact

Angela Ganter T: 086 814 9526

W: www.calligraphy.ie

Workshops in Tuscany

2006 VETRATE ARTISTICHE

TOSCANE will hold intensive

summer workshops in the following

subjects: Marble Mosaic: Sept. 5th

- 8th, Glass Fusing: 11th - 15th Sept,

Painting on glass: 18th- 29th Sept.

The workshops will take place in our

studio in the very centre of Siena,

Tuscany. and will be conducted in

English. For information contact:

VETRATE ARTISTICHE TOSCANE,

Via della Galluzza, 553100 Siena,

Italy E: edu@glassisland.com

W: www.glassisland.com/education

DESIGN TO GO . . . a 5 day

workshop ‘designing jewellery’ in

Delft, Netherlands. 10th-14th July

2006 or 28th August -1st September

2006.This summer advanced

students can attend a workshop by

Froukje Idsardi, well known Dutch

jewellery designer. Cost €500 incl.

lunches, lecture & excursion;

excl. material, dinner, travel &

accommodation expenses.

For further information and

application contact

W: www.idsardi.nl

Danny Boy International

Summer School - a 3 Day

Traditional Craft Experience

15th - 17th August 2006. Explore

Basket-weaving, Woodcarving

and Stonecarving at this 3 Day

residential course, during the

Danny Boy Festival in Limavady,

Co Londonderry. Learn the basics

of these traditional skills with

Limavady College’s specialist tutors,

recognised for excellence in craft

education. Cost €430/£300, including

all tools and materials, accommodation

and full board meals. For further

information contact Pauline

Quigley on +44(0)28 777 61243

E: pauline.quigley@limavady.ac.uk

W: www.iahc.co.uk

Athy Farmers Market,

every Sunday from 10am-3pm

Offering Derrynine handmade

candles, basket making, ar t and

many food stalls with speciality

cheeses, breads and much more.

For further information

contact Liz T: 086 888 1815

for applications

www.ebags.ie Visit our on-line

store to order and purchase a

comprehensive range of stock bags,

gift bags, tissue paper, wrapping

paper, boxes and ribbons. Delivery

2-3 working days. The Carrier Bag

Company 18 years of service to

you! For further information

contact T: 01 2888225

Barcodes & Labels printed

Black on White €19.99 per 1000

(No set-up charge). For further

information contact N&M Craft

T: 01 7978875 or

E: nmcraft@eircom.net

Print and display company

based in Newry N.I. are offering

por table exhibition display units to

craftspeople. If you would like

more information contact Paul

T: 048 30266118

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

Mob:087 9952489 or

E:jemtextiles@eircom.net

Craft Supplies Website

www.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

Sell your work on the

Internet need a site designed

for you to sell your work. We also

design for print. For further

information contact

T: +44 (0)28 9756 5681or E:

ciara.king@rds.ie and W:

www.rds.ie

Adorn.ie Cardmaking

Scrapbooking and Jewellery

Making supplies online, 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 & Irish

cross 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

Design Shannon working

nationwide to promote design for

enterprise success. We find

design-focused solutions to help

you compete on innovation and

not on price. .For more

information contact Deirdre

Johnston, Design Shannon

T: 065 6880498

E: info@designshannon.ie

W: www.designshannon.ie

BUSINESS & FINANCE

SUPPLIERS

MARKETS

WORKSHOPS/COURSES

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We also provide IT support, software

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aid business access real time

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button. For more information

contact Brendan or Kevin

T: 1850 930390

W: www.accountingandtechnology.ie

Do you have Tourist’s asking for the

VAT back when purchasing goods

in your shop? Moneyback VAT

refunds offer the tourists the best

refunds and you can also generate

a rebate for administration. No cost

involved. For more information

contact Anthony T: 087 7716888

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The Command Group

offers a unique service to the

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New online store:

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Award winning Fashion Accessories

and Home Accessories now available

online. Featuring multiple colour

options, complimentary gift

packaging and international delivery.

For further information contact

Ciaran Sweeney T: 01 4113953

The Craft, Speciality Food & Fine

Design Show at Belfast Telegraph

Idealhome, 6th - 10th

September 2006 at Kings Hall,

Belfast. Stand rate is from £125 +

vat. Stands are available from 2sqm.

For further information contact

Michael T: +44 (0)28 90 410404

E: michaell@exclaim.co.uk

EXTRA

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

Piece by Michael McCrory from ‘Silver Connections’ exhibition

Exhibition Snapshots - NCG 20

Guests at the opening of Designing Ireland at the National Craft Gallery Kilkenny Ruth Thorpe (editor of Designing Ireland catalogue) andJoanna Quinn (Curator of Designing Ireland)

Rudolf Heltzel, Des Byrne and Asger Max Andersen, who allworked in the silver workshop in the 1960’s

Holger Strom from Denmark with his exhibition cubes in cardboard

Peter Hior t Lorenzen from Denmark with a chair designedby him in 1968

Emmet Kane (Woodturner and CCoI Board Member) withJohn Shiel who worked in the wood workshop in the1960s

Mar tin Marley (furniture designer) and Bryan Leech (industrial designer), with a block model of a

laptop designed by Bryan

DESIGNING IRELAND

Exhibition Snapshots - NCG21

Maria Van Kesteren (woodtuner) and Sonja Landweer Ciaran Forbes (woodturner) and Glenn Lucas (woodturner)

Ruth Thorpe and Roger Bennett (woodturner) Ciaran Forbes (woodturner), Mary Leahy and Liam Flynn(wood turner and curator of Tracing the line)

Peter Scroope (ceramicist)

Ciaran Forbes, OSB (woodturner) seated in Liam O’ Neil’s(woodturner) contemplative chair ouside the NCG

Liam O’Neill (woodturner) Maria Van Kesteren (woodturner)with one of Maria's woodturned pieces

TRACING THE LINE

Ambrose O'Halloran, Liam Flynn and Bríd O’Halloran with a David Ellswor th piece

Designing Ireland

National Craft Gallery - News 22

SILVER CONNECTIONS opens in LisburnTwo generations, three applied artists, one hundred years of experience The Island Arts Centre in Lisburn was the setting for the recent opening of Silver Connections, acelebration of the work of two generations of acclaimed silversmiths and applied artists; MichaelMcCrory, enameller/printmaker, Deirdre McCrory and silversmith Cara Murphy (née McCrory),who between them have over 100 years of experience.What is unique about this work is not onlythe fact that it was created by one family, but the cutting edge design and mastery of the materialsit displays.

Curated by Danae Kindness, Silver Connections opened to a large crowd including, Iain Davidson fromthe Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Professor Brian McCelland, Joe Kelly, Director, Craft NI, CCoIBoard member Anne Montgomery and Prof Ian Montgomery Head of Art & Design at the Universityiof Ulster. Many of the artists’ former students were also present to admire some of the beautiful workthis inspiring family have produced

The one constant throughout all of this work is silver which provides a thread of continuity, binding the work of the three artists.Acclaimed sil-versmith Michael’s designs are founded on balance of line, form and proportion. He has recently been using innovative digital technology and thisnew work is based on his current research into deep drawing and pressing of silver plate. Deirdre is renowned for her mastery of fine line andcontrol over the etching and enamelling processes. Her work reflects her inherent visual empathy with detail and natural form that manifestsitself 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 seen a move away from highly functional objects as she focuses on form; ‘drawing’ with her materials.

Silver Connections combines material,craftsmanship and vision to make this work a major tour de force.

Silver Connections travels to Flowerfield ArtsCentre, Portstewart, Coleraine, Co. Antrim on 3 - 26th August and to the National Craft Gallery in Kilkenny on Oct 13 - Nov 26th.

Cara Murphy (née McCrory), Danae Kindness (Curator),Deirdre & Michael McCrory

Michael McCrory Deirdre McCrory Cara Murphy

One of the National Craft Gallery’s most popular exhibitions to date closed itsdoors recently and it was given a big send-off! Designing Ireland, which took overboth Gallery 1 and Gallery 2 for two months excited the interest of visitors andcritics alike. And it inspired many former KDW staff members to make the journeyto Kilkenny. For some of them, it was a journey they hadbeen planning for almost 40 years.

One delegation of former staff members travelled from Denmark.They included

furniture designer Peter Hiort Lorenzen, industrial designer Holger Strom,

jewellery designer Asger Max Andersen and photographer Jens Bull.The furniture

designer Clare Jones came over from England and US-based Anna Mundow, who

worked in the libary and archive, also attended.

Architect Sam Stephenson, who designed the interior of the Kilkenny Design shop

in Dublin’s Nassau Street and served on the Board of the Kilkenny Design

Workshops made a short speech at the dinner, which was held in the Kilkenny

Design Centre. (see page 20 for pictures of the event).

Oisin Kelly, KDW

GA

RD

EN

The National Craft Gallery onceagain took centre stage with theirfeature garden at the entrance tothis year’s MyHome.ie SpringHouse & Garden Show.

Oliver and Liat Schurmann ofMount Venus Nursery designed a breathtakingly wild garden thatincorporated some of the bestexamples of contemporary Irish craft.

World-renowned basket maker Joe Hogan attracted large crowds, weaving his incredibly beautiful,contemporary pieces of art.

Joe Hogan

23 National Craft Gallery - News

USA and Lithuania. It last wowed the crowds in the beautiful

Farmleigh Gallery in Dublin.There, President Mary McAleese

was given a private tour of the exhibition and she was so

impressed by our finest examples of contemporary craft and

ar t that she left a personal message on the gallery’s Visitors

Book:“40 Shades of delighted and proud contemporary Irish

Art, breaking so many moulds. Well done!”

One of the most striking things about this exhibition is the

decision by both Curator Brian Kennedy and the National

Craft Gallery to bring the worlds of fine ar t and craft

together. While they sit together comfortably in our homes,

the notion of blurring the boundaries in a gallery space is an

exciting one.

40 Shades of Green represents 40 different voices coming

out of Ireland. Three have written essays for the catalogue

(novelist Eoin McNamee, Professor Dermot Diamond, Vice-

President for Research at DCU and academic Marianne

Mays) and the other 37 are Artists and Craftspeople either

from or resident in Ireland.

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.

Curated by Course Tutor Gus Mabelson, the exhibition will

feature stunning pieces that display the skills acquired by this

year’s graduates - whether it’s thrown pots that are both

functional and beautiful or wonderful examples of cutting

edge design.

Continued from page 24

40 Shades of Green

Continued from page 24

Graduates

LIFESTYLEAn exciting new concept by the Crafts Council of Ireland attracted many window shoppers

to the National Craft Gallery. Curated by Anne Kennedy, Lifestyle, took pride of place in

the windows of Gallery 2 in Castle Yard.

Five stylishly displayed room-sets were dressed with the very best of Irish craft. Placed in their natural home, these pieces displayed just how versatile and relevant craft is to current lifestyle trends.

While next door in Gallery 1,Tracing The Line, displayed beautifully the other side of contemporarycraft, the collectible works of art that can last a lifetime. Sitting side by side, these two enticing exhibitions show that whether its functional ware or collectible pieces, contemporary craft can bringa touch of magic to any home.

ST PATRICKS PRESENCEThe National Craft Gallery continues to break new groundin its role as an ambassador for Irish craft. For the first time ever, they had a presence at London’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

The gallery took centre stage in Leicester Square as the city celebrated

all things Irish. A stunning collection of the very best of contemporary

Irish craft was shipped into London and installed overnight in the city

centre location.

When St Patrick’s Presence

opened its doors at noon on

Sunday 12th March, there was

great anticipation. And visitors

weren’t disappointed by this

stunning showcase. Over 4,500

people strolled through the

exhibition, which opened for

just six short hours. By the

time it closed its doors that

evening, London was

converted to the style, quality

and beauty of Irish craft.

This exhbition was at

invitation of the Mayor of London,

Ken Livingstone

Nic

hola

sM

osse

Michelle Hannan

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 July/August 2006,Stopress is June 15th 2006. Publicationdate is 1st August 2006.

Advertising in Stopress is free and iswelcomed.Submissions for articlesfrom craftspeople and those interestedin craft are also always welcome - please contact:Communications Dept.Crafts Council of Ireland t.056 7761804 e:stopress@ccoi.ie

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

This summer, one of the Crafts Council of

Ireland’s most ambitious projects finally

comes home. Groundbreaking, exciting and

like nothing you’ve ever seen before 40

Shades of Green is a snapshot of art practice

in contemporary Ireland.

This critically acclaimed exhibition, which brings the worlds

of fine ar t and craft together, was first unveiled in the

Glucksman Gallery in UCC to open Cork 2005. Since then

it has travelled extensively to places as far flung as Memphis,

GRADUATESNational Craft Gallery

20th July - 7th August 2006

Once again, the National Craft Gallery is

opening its doors to some of the new names in

contemporary craft.The work of the graduates

of the Crafts Council of Ireland’s Pottery

Design and Skills Course will be on display in

the prestigious space.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for the graduates to showcase

their work in the Crafts’ Council’s flagship gallery. And for

visitors, it’s a chance to get in early and discover the work of

the stars of tomorrow.

Continued on page 23

Continued on page 23

40 SHADES OF GREENNational Craft Gallery

2nd June - 16th July 2006

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Rob

Monaghan

James

Hake